New Delhi, November 21: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has rationalized 29 existing labour laws into four codes Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions which will begin implementation from 21 November 2025.
With this rollout, the working class will gain long delayed and essential protections needed for a fair and safe work environment.
PM Narendra Modi tweeted
It is one of the most comprehensive and progressive labour-oriented reforms since Independence. It also significantly simplifies compliance and promotes ‘Ease of Doing Business”
Reforms to be implemented
Every worker must receive a compulsory appointment letter, ensuring documented records and reducing exploitation. Under the Social Security Code, gig and platform workers will receive benefits such as PF, ESIC and insurance. ESIC coverage will extend across India; it will be voluntary for establishments with fewer than 10 employees and mandatory for those with hazardous working conditions even if they employ only one worker. Each worker will have a statutory right to minimum wages and timely payment to strengthen financial security. Employers will also be required to provide free annual health check-ups for workers above 40, improving efficiency and trust in the system. The ministry has permitted women to work night shifts across all sectors, removing earlier occupational barriers. The new reforms also streamline compliance with simplified procedures, reduced paperwork, single registration, PAN-India licensing and a single return system.
Benefits for specific establishments
Fixed-term employees will receive the same benefits as permanent staff, including leave, medical facilities, social security and equal wages. Gig and platform work, along with aggregators, have been formally recognized and defined in law for the first time. Aadhaar-linked Universal Account Numbers will ensure welfare benefits are easily accessible, portable across states, and functional regardless of migration. Equal pay for women is assured. MSME workers will gain access to food, water and shelter. The press release also stated that women will now be eligible to work in all establishments, including underground mining, heavy machinery and other hazardous jobs.
Also Read | Four Labour Codes Effective: 29 Old Laws Replaced, New Rights for 500 Million Workers
