Introduction to the Labour Codes

The government notified all four Labour Codes on November 21, 2025, marking significant reforms in India's labor laws. These include extending social security for gig workers, ensuring gender pay parity, enhancing women's rights and safety, providing statutory backing for minimum wages, and introducing fixed-term employment.

Overview of the Labour Codes

• Code on Wages (2019)
• Industrial Relations Code (2020)
• Code on Social Security (2020)
• Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code (2020)

These codes replace 29 fragmented laws, some dating back to the 1930s-1950s, and aim to empower workers and simplify compliance. New laws are comprehensive and progressive, with a focus on universal social security, timely wages, safe workplaces, and improved opportunities.

Key Reforms and Provisions

• Expanded rights and safety for women workers, including night-shift work and free health check-ups for those over 40.
• Pan-India ESIC coverage, including hazardous process units.
• National floor wage and gender-neutral work policy.
• Faster dispute resolution through tribunals and a National OSH Board for safety standards.
• Defined terms for gig work, platform work, and aggregators.
• Aadhaar-linked Universal Account Number for welfare benefits.