NEW DELHI: The government on Friday announced implementation of the four Labour Codes – the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 with effect from 21st November 2025, rationalising 29 existing labour laws.
By modernising labour regulations, enhancing workers’ welfare and aligning the labour ecosystem with the evolving world of work, it said this landmark move lays the foundation for a future-ready workforce and stronger, resilient industries driving labour reforms for Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Many of India’s labour laws were framed in the pre-Independence and early post-Independence era (1930s–1950s), at a time when the economy and world of work were fundamentally different. While most major economies have updated and consolidated their labour regulations in recent decades, India continued to operate under fragmented, complex and in several parts outdated provisions spread across 29 Central labour laws.
The implementation of the four Labour Codes addresses this long-pending need to move beyond colonial-era structures and align with modern global trends. Together, these Codes empower both workers and enterprises, building a workforce that is protected, productive and aligned with the evolving world of work — paving the way for a more resilient, competitive and self-reliant nation.
Post labour reforms, all workers will get mandatory appointment letters, with written proof to ensure transparency, job security and fixed employment. Now all workers will get provident fund, ESIC, insurance and other social security benefits over the limited social security coverage so far.
Large sections of workers remained uncovered from the minimum wages while the code on wages, 2019 ensures every workers receives a statutory right to minimum wage payment to ensure teh financial security.
Under the new code, employers are required to provide all workers above 40 years with a free annual health check-up. The new code also ensures mandatory timely wages.
Restriction on women’s employment in night shifts is waived as they are permitted to work at hight and in all types of work, subject to their consent and required safety measures.
As regards the compliance burden, multiple registrations are waives as the new code ensures single registration, PAN-India single licence and single return, thus reducing the compliance burden.
