Mumbai, April 29 -- The state government has given a go ahead to rules framed for implementing the Maharashtra Code on Wages and the Maharashtra Code on Industrial Relations. The rules make it mandatory for employers to pay minimum wages, as determined by the state government, but also enable them to shut factories and fire workers with ease. "Most of the rules are along lines finalised by the centre and they will be enforced as soon as the central government ascertains the date of implementation," an official from the labour department told Hindustan Times. Rules for the two remaining labour codes - on social security and occupational safety - would be framed soon, he said. According to the rules pertaining to the code on wages, the entire staff of an establishment including those in supervisory and managerial positions would be counted as 'workers', whereas according to existing rules, only employees with wages below Rs.24,000 are considered 'workers'. The state government will ascertain the minimum wage based on employees' skills, experience and geographical area, the rules state. They mandate the payment of additional wages to those working in adverse conditions, such as hazardous jobs and underground work. htc...