Rights of workersI write this letter as the Deputy Director (Media and Communication), Ministry of Labour and Employment. The safety and health of workers working in factories are ensured through the provisions of Factories Act, 1948 and rules framed thereunder. These are implemented by the respective State governments. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH and WC) Code, 2020 has rationalised and amalgamated provisions of 13 central labour laws which include the Factories Act 1948. The OSH and WC Code has categorically placed statutory responsibility on employers to maintain the health, safety and working conditions of employees as in the provisions of the Code and standards issued by the Central Government. Several new provisions have been included in the OSH and WC Code to promote workplace safety and the health of workers. The issuance of appointment letters to every employee has been made mandatory. Inspection provisions have been retained. Any contravention of provisions of duties of employers relating to hazardous processes is punishable with imprisonment that may extend to two years and fines of up to ₹5 lakh. The assertion in the article, “Are workers’ rights being eroded?” (Online – ‘The Hindu Explains’, October 9, 2025), that the health and the safety rights of workers will become executive discretion, is factually incorrect and misleading.Rini Choudhury,New DelhiIndia-Afghanistan tiesAt a time when China is leaving no stone unturned to cosy up to nations especially India’s neighbours and Pakistan is turning belligerent, it is imperative that India keeps Afghanistan in good humour. However, New Delhi must persuade the autocratic regime to adopt a fair rights-based system.Aanya Singhal,Noida, Uttar PradeshPublished - October 13, 2025 12:24 am IST