Centre proposes fixed-term labour contracts The Union labour ministry recently issued a draft notification that would allow fixed-term employment across sectors and also approved moves by some states to amend the Industrial Disputes Act so that factories employing up to 300 workers can close or retrench labour without seeking government approval. The draft notification on fixed term contracts is part of the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Central (Amendment) Rules, 2018, and enables companies to hire workers for short term assignments and terminate their services when projects are completed. Once notified by the Centre, states can amend their rules accordingly. The draft notification has been uploaded on the ministry's website for stakeholder comments. Under fixed-term employment, workers are entitled to statutory benefits available to a permanent worker in the same factory, including work hours, wages, and allowances. However, employers need not give notice to fixe