Ensuring HR compliance is critical for businesses to adhere to labour laws, and other legal requirements. This comprehensive checklist, tailored to align with services offered by MS Sankhla & Co., helps businesses track and manage HR compliance obligations effectively. It covers key areas such as labour laws, employee rights, GDPR, and workplace policies, with a focus on Indian regulations.
1. Labour Law Compliance
- Verify Compliance with Indian Labour Laws
Ensure adherence to central and state-specific laws, including the Factories Act, 1948, Shops and Establishments Act, Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972.
Action: Review state-specific requirements (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka) and maintain updated registrations. - Provident Fund (PF) Compliance
Register with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) if employing 20 or more employees and ensure timely PF contributions and filings.
Action: Submit monthly PF returns by the 15th of the following month. - Employee State Insurance (ESI) Compliance
Register with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) for organizations with 10 or more employees (in some states) and file contributions.
Action: File ESI returns semi-annually (April 11 and October 11). - Professional Tax Compliance
Comply with state-specific Professional Tax regulations, ensuring timely deductions and payments.
Action: Check state deadlines (e.g., monthly in Maharashtra, quarterly in Tamil Nadu). - Contract Labour Compliance
Adhere to the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 for businesses engaging contract workers.
Action: Obtain necessary licenses and maintain records of contractor compliance.
2. Employee Rights and Policies
- Employee Handbook
Develop and distribute an employee handbook outlining company policies, code of conduct, and employee rights.
Action: Include anti-discrimination, harassment, and leave policies compliant with Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. - Leave and Attendance Policies
Ensure compliance with leave entitlements under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, Shops and Establishments Act, and other applicable laws.
Action: Update leave policies to reflect state-specific rules (e.g., 21 days annual leave in Karnataka). - Workplace Safety
Comply with the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 to ensure a safe working environment.
Action: Conduct regular safety audits and maintain records of safety measures. - Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination
Implement policies to ensure equal opportunity and prevent discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, or disability.
Action: Establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) as mandated by the POSH Act, 2013.

3. GDPR Compliance (For Businesses Handling EU Data)
- Data Protection Policy
Create a GDPR-compliant data protection policy for handling personal data of EU residents.
Action: Specify lawful basis for data processing (e.g., consent, contract). - Consent Management
Obtain explicit, informed consent for collecting and processing personal data.
Action: Implement consent forms with clear opt-in mechanisms and maintain records. - Data Subject Rights
Facilitate employee and customer rights under GDPR, including access, rectification, erasure, and data portability.
Action: Set up a process to handle data subject requests within 30 days. - Data Breach Notification
Establish a protocol to report data breaches to the supervisory authority within 72 hours.
Action: Train HR staff on identifying and reporting breaches. - Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Appoint a DPO if processing large-scale sensitive data or monitoring EU residents.
Action: Ensure the DPO oversees GDPR compliance and reports to management.
4. Payroll and Compensation
- Timely Salary Payments
Ensure salaries are paid on time as per the Payment of Wages Act, 1936.
Action: Set up automated payroll systems to avoid delays. - Statutory Deductions
Deduct and remit taxes, PF, and ESI contributions accurately.
Action: Use compliance software to track deductions and filings. - Bonus Compliance
Comply with the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 for employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month.
Action: Calculate and disburse annual bonuses by the due date (within 8 months of the financial year).
5. Record Keeping and Audits
- Maintain Employee Records
Keep accurate records of employee contracts, attendance, and statutory filings as required by labour laws.
Action: Use a compliance dashboard to organize and monitor records. - Conduct HR Audits
Perform regular HR audits to identify compliance gaps and ensure adherence to regulations.
Action: Schedule annual audits with the help of compliance consulting services. - Update Policies for Legal Changes
Stay informed about changes in labour laws and data protection regulations.
Action: Subscribe to compliance newsletters for regular updates.
6. Training and Awareness
- Employee Training
Conduct training sessions on labour law compliance, GDPR, and workplace policies.
Action: Offer online training modules and webinars for flexible learning. - Compliance Officer Training
Train designated compliance officers to oversee HR and data protection compliance.
Action: Provide specialized training on Indian labour laws and GDPR requirements.
How MS Sankhla & Co. Can Help
At MS Sankhla & Co., we simplify HR compliance with our comprehensive services:
- Compliance Tools: Access our compliance checklist, template library, and compliance calendar to stay organized.
- Advisory Services: Benefit from our HR audits, compliance consulting, and regular labour law updates.
- Technology Solutions: Use our compliance software, automated reminders, and compliance dashboard for streamlined processes.
- Support Services: Leverage our dedicated compliance support, helpline, and newsletter for ongoing guidance.
- Partnerships: Our collaborations with industry associations and government agencies ensure you stay ahead of regulations.
Get Started Today
Ensure your business is fully compliant with labour laws with MS Sankhla & Co.’s expert services. Visit sankhlaco.com or contact us to schedule a consultation our HR Compliance Checklist to start optimizing your compliance strategy.