India Implements Four New Labor Codes

India has implemented four new labor codes—the Code on Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020), and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code (2020)—effective November 21, 2025. This landmark move by the government, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, repeals and rationalizes 29 existing central labor laws. The reforms aim to modernize India's labor governance, enhance worker welfare, strengthen safety standards, and align the labor ecosystem with global best practices. Key changes include mandatory appointment letters, universal social security coverage for all workers (including gig and platform workers), statutory minimum wages, free annual health check-ups for workers above 40, and gender equality provisions allowing women to work night shifts across sectors with safety measures. The codes also simplify compliance for employers with single registration, license, and return systems, and introduce an Inspector-cum-Facilitator system. The India — Ministry of Labor and Employment stated that these changes are crucial for building a 'future-ready workforce' and resilient industries, supporting the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and India's development goals for 2047.