India, Nov. 24 -- Before we delve into the complexities or simplifications that arise out of the implementation of the four new labor codes, allow me to recall two events which happened about three-and-a-half decades apart. The first relates to a personal one. When I was a young journalist, a media house offered a lucrative job with an attractive salary package. The deal was that I would sign a contract that would be valid for three years but I would not be deemed to be an employee as defined by the wage board. My terms would be outside the legal purview.

In those days, which is perhaps true today in some organisations, the salaries of journalists were decided by the wage boards, which were set up by the Government. Being young and not v...