Historic Labour Codes
News Kashmir Analysis
Labour laws or labour codes are essence of modern economy and humanity. The respect to labour and protection through laws and codes can only ensure well being of any country. Our great country India has taken recently historic steps in this regards.
As a matter of fact, a historic decision, the Government of India has announced that the four Labour Codes – 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 are being made effective from 21st November 2025, rationalising 29 existing labour laws. 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.
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their labour regulations in recent decades, India continued to operate under fragmented, complex and in several parts outdated provisions spread across 29 Central labour laws. These restrictive frameworks struggled to keep pace with changing economic realities and evolving forms of employment, creating uncertainty and increasing compliance burden for both workers and industry.
These Codes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a series of social media posts on X, “will serve as a strong foundation for universal social security, minimum and timely payment of wages, safe workplaces and remunerative opportunities for our people, especially Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti.
will build a future-ready ecosystem that protects the rights of workers and strengthens India’s economic growth. These reforms will boost job creation, drive productivity and accelerate our journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”
It is important to mention here that The Social Security Code treats certain commuting accidents as employment-related, subject to conditions of time, and place of employment.
Central Government notified standards to standardize workplace occupational safety and health conditions.
Health safety for all workers will be ensured. Free annual health check-up will be provided.
Limit on working hours set to 8 to 12 hours per day, 48 hours per week to ensure health and work-life balance.
Undoubtedly, this is historic development for any nation. This will ensure much safety and security to great labour force of our country.
