Centre implements all four Labour Codes nationwide

In a historic decision, the government on Friday announced the implementation of the four Labour Codes, which rationalised 29 existing labour laws, with immediate effect.
The four labour codes are- 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.
“The four labour codes have been notified and now they are the law of the land,” said labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya at a press conference here.
By modernising labour regulations, enhancing workers’ welfare and aligning the labour ecosystem with the evolving world of work, this landmark move lays the foundation for a future-ready workforce and stronger, resilient industries driving labour reforms for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, a ministry statement said.
According to the statement, 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labour regulations in recent decades, India has continued to operate under fragmented, complex and in several parts outdated provisions spread across 29 central labour laws, it said.
The Centre mandated that all employers must issue appointment letters and ensure timely payment of wages under the four major Labour Codes that have come into effect from today (21 November 2025).
The new regulations also require that all workers—including gig and platform workers—receive social security coverage, such as PF, ESIC, insurance, maternity benefits, and pension.
With the new law in force, women are now allowed to work at night and in all types of occupations, subject to their consent and the required safety measures.
ESIC coverage and benefits will now be extended Pan-India, though these will be voluntary for establishments with fewer than 10 employees, and mandatory for establishments with even one employee engaged in hazardous processes.