India's four landmark Labour Codes came into force with effect from November 21, 2025, consolidating 29 existing labour laws into a unified framework. The four codes are: Code on Wages 2019, Industrial Relations Code 2020, Code on Social Security 2020, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code 2020. Key reforms include: mandatory appointment letters for all workers; social security coverage extended to gig and platform workers for the first time; fixed-term employees become eligible for gratuity after just one year of service (reduced from five years); free annual health checkups for all workers above 40 years; and a statutory minimum wage for all workers. While the four codes are now effective, the Central government's final rules (and some state-specific rules) are expected by April 1, 2026, for full implementation. The reforms aim to make Indian labour law internationally competitive, ease compliance for businesses (especially MSMEs), and enhance worker welfare. Rajasthan, with over 26 lakh registered MSME enterprises and a significant migrant and gig workforce, stands to benefit substantially from these reforms.
India's Four Labour Codes Come into Force: Consolidating 29 Laws into Historic Labour Reform (November 21, 2025)
India's four landmark Labour Codes came into force with effect from November 21, 2025, consolidating 29 existing labour laws into a unified framework. The four codes are: Code on Wages 2019, Industrial Relations Code 2020, Code on Social Security 2020, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code 2020. Key reforms include: mandatory appointment letters for all workers; social security coverage extended to gig and platform workers for the first time; fixed-term employees become eligible for gratuity after just one year of service (reduced from five years); free annual health checkups for all workers above 40 years; and a statutory minimum wage for all workers. While the four codes are now effective, the Central government's final rules (and some state-specific rules) are expected by April 1, 2026, for full implementation. The reforms aim to make Indian labour law internationally competitive, ease compliance for businesses (especially MSMEs), and enhance worker welfare. Rajasthan, with over 26 lakh registered MSME enterprises and a significant migrant and gig workforce, stands to benefit substantially from these reforms.
Key facts
- India's four Labour Codes came into force on November 21, 2025 consolidating 29 laws.
- The four codes cover wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety.
- Gig and platform workers receive social security coverage for the first time.
- Gratuity eligibility reduced from five years to one year for fixed-term employees.
- All workers above 40 years get free annual health checkups as a statutory right.
- Full implementation rules are expected by April 1, 2026.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss how the four Labour Codes operationalised on November 21, 2025 restructure India's labour framework, focusing on gig workers, MSMEs and worker welfare.
Answer (50 words):
From November 21, 2025 India's four Labour Codes — Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, Occupational Safety — consolidated 29 laws. Reforms include mandatory appointment letters, gig-platform social security, gratuity after one year for fixed-term employees, free health checkups above 40, and statutory minimum wage, aiding MSMEs and Rajasthan's 26 lakh enterprises.
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How many labour codes were implemented to consolidate India's labour laws?
Four Labour Codes were implemented to consolidate 29 existing labour laws into a streamlined framework.
Source: PIB
Frequently asked questions
When did India's four Labour Codes come into force and what is their significance?
India's four Labour Codes came into force on November 21, 2025. They consolidate 29 existing labour laws into a unified framework, representing a historic simplification of India's labour legislation.
What are the four Labour Codes enacted in India?
The four Labour Codes are: the Code on Wages 2019, the Industrial Relations Code 2020, the Code on Social Security 2020, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code 2020.
What new social security provision do the Labour Codes extend to gig workers?
For the first time, the Labour Codes extend social security coverage to gig and platform workers, recognising the growing importance of the gig economy in India's workforce.
How has gratuity eligibility changed under the new Labour Codes for fixed-term employees?
Under the new Labour Codes, gratuity eligibility for fixed-term employees has been reduced from five years to one year, making it easier for short-term contract workers to receive gratuity benefits.
What health benefit do workers above 40 years receive under the new Labour Codes?
All workers above 40 years of age are entitled to free annual health checkups as a statutory right under the new Labour Codes, promoting preventive healthcare for the working population.
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