Overview
- Four consolidated Labour Codes were notified nationally on November 21, replacing dozens of statutes on wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety.
- Government messaging highlights preventive safety under the OSH&WC Code, including mandatory risk assessments, digital health records and free annual check-ups for workers in hazardous sectors.
- An official told employers the overhaul aims for consistent definitions, smoother supply chains and universal wage coverage backed by a national floor wage, with rules expected to be issued next.
- Trade unions and worker groups continue protests, warning of diluted protections through the higher Standing Orders threshold to 300 workers and discretionary social-security scheme design.
- Experts and employer bodies stress that outcomes hinge on state-level uniformity, phased rollout, digital compliance systems and inspector training, with some commentary flagging pay-definition changes that could raise PF and gratuity outlays.