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India Puts Four Labour Codes Into Force, Replacing 29 Laws Nationwide

States now enter a fast rulemaking phase following the Centre’s shift to a unified labour regime.

Overview

  • The codes took effect on November 21, guaranteeing statutory minimum wages, timely pay and mandatory appointment letters across sectors.
  • Gig and platform workers are formally brought under social security, with aggregators contributing 1–2% of turnover capped at 5% of payouts and benefits made portable through Aadhaar-linked accounts.
  • The Industrial Relations changes raise the layoff and closure approval threshold to 300 workers, permit shifts up to 12 hours within a 48‑hour week, and allow women to work nights with mandated safety measures.
  • The labour ministry says detailed rules, regulations and schemes will be notified in the coming weeks, with a 45‑day window indicated, and existing provisions will operate during the transition.
  • Trade unions condemn the rollout as anti-worker and have announced nationwide protests on Wednesday, while industry largely welcomes simplification though smaller firms warn of higher operating costs.