Before
Payment of Wages Act applied only to employees earning up to ₹24,000/month
After
No wage ceiling - applies to ALL employees regardless of wages
Why it matters: Universal coverage regardless of salary level
Before
Wages to be paid by 10th of succeeding month
After
Wages to be paid by 7th of succeeding month
Why it matters: 3 days faster payment mandatory
Before
No specific timeline for final settlement
After
Within 2 working days of termination/resignation
Why it matters: New strict timeline for full and final settlement
Before
Various limits under different laws
After
Maximum 50% of wages can be deducted
Why it matters: Explicit cap ensures worker receives at least half their wages
Before
Equal Remuneration Act covered male and female
After
Covers 'all genders' including transgender persons
Why it matters: Progressive inclusion of third gender in workplace rights
Before
Cash or cheque
After
Cash, cheque, or digital/electronic transfer
Why it matters: Digital payments officially recognized
Before
Not clearly defined
After
Maximum 15% of wages can be paid in kind
Why it matters: Clear limit on non-cash compensation