Wed Dec 03 19:04:23 UTC 2025: Headline: New Labour Codes Likely to Be Operational by April 1, 2026
New Delhi, December 4, 2025: India is poised for a significant overhaul of its labour laws, with the four new labour codes expected to be fully implemented by April 1, 2026. The Ministry of Labour & Employment has initiated the process of enforcing the rules under the newly notified laws.
The four codes, namely 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, were officially notified on November 21. These codes aim to consolidate and modernize the existing 29 fragmented labour laws.
Speaking at CII IndiaEdge 2025, Labour & Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that draft rules under the four labour codes will be pre-published soon, allowing for public feedback before final notification. The government plans to provide a 45-day window for public comments after pre-publication.
The new framework maintains the 8-hour workday but introduces the option of overtime, aligning with international practices. The Minister also emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding social security coverage to 100 crore workers by March 2026, a significant increase from the current 94 crore.
Enforcement of the codes requires both the Central and State governments to notify the rules. Once fully implemented, these codes are expected to broaden worker protection, streamline business operations, and foster a more worker-friendly labour environment. Key provisions include mandatory appointment letters, free health check-ups for workers aged 40 and above, equal pay for equal work, and equal opportunities for women in various work shifts.
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