Four Labour Codes
Consolidation and Key Changes
India consolidated 29 central labour laws into four comprehensive codes to simplify compliance, extend social security coverage, and modernise labour regulations. The four codes are: (1) Code on Wages, 2019; (2) Industrial Relations Code, 2020; (3) Code on Social Security, 2020; and (4) Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. After receiving Presidential assent, all four codes were implemented nationally from November 21, 2025.
- Code on Wages, 2019: Consolidates four wage laws; uniform definition of "wages" — basic pay + dearness allowance + retaining allowance; all other components (HRA, bonus over 50% cap, etc.) excluded from wage definition; establishes National Floor Wage.
- Industrial Relations Code, 2020: Merges Trade Unions Act 1926, Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act 1946, Industrial Disputes Act 1947; raises threshold for government approval of retrenchments/closures from 100 to 300 workers; introduces two-member Industrial Tribunals.
- Code on Social Security, 2020: Merges nine laws; extends EPF, ESI, gratuity, maternity benefits to gig workers, platform workers, and unorganised sector; Aadhaar-linked universal accounts for portability.
- Occupational Safety Code, 2020: Merges 13 laws; permits women to work night shifts (with consent and safety measures); standardises factory safety and welfare norms.
● Tracked since February 09, 2026 · last seen May 29, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
10 May '26
Govt notifies rules for all labour codes, minimum wage criteria dropped
Polity & Governance
09 May '26
Labour reforms: Government fully operationalises four new codes by publishing rules
Economics
08 May '26
Labour Ministry notifies final rules for the Wage Code & Industrial Relations Code
Economics
28 Feb '26
National social security board for gig workers soon, says Maharashtra Minister
Social Issues
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