The Centre has finalized the implementation of the four labour codes by issuing the corresponding rules in the official gazette, more than five years after the reforms were initially introduced to revamp India’s labor law framework. These 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, came into effect on November 21, 2025. The publication of these rules signifies the full operationalization of the new labor system nationwide.
The labor codes were introduced to simplify the existing labor laws by replacing and consolidating 29 laws into a more streamlined structure. Despite the delay in implementation, certain operational aspects of the codes could not be executed earlier due to the absence of notified rules. Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya recently launched a yearly health check-up initiative for workers aged 40 and above under the new Labour Codes.
Under this initiative, free health check-ups will be provided annually to all workers above 40 years of age across the country. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the enforcement of the four Labour Codes reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to ensuring dignity, welfare, and social security for workers nationwide. Noteworthy labor reforms include provisions for equal wages for both male and female workers, an extension of maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks, and the inclusion of work-from-home provisions for women. Moreover, the framework includes the establishment of a National Reskilling Fund to aid workers in need of fresh training for new job opportunities.
