Centre Brings Four New Labour Codes Into Operation With Effect From November 21.
Date – 21.11.2025
The government has officially notified all four Labour Codes.
- Code on Wages, 2019
- Industrial Relations Code, 2020
- Code on Social Security, 2020
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
which will start applying from 21 November 2025.
These Codes will replace 29 old labour laws, many of which were created before or just after Independence. The aim is to update, simplify, and modernise India’s labour system.
These Laws Aims to Provide:
Key worker benefits:
- Universal minimum wages for all workers
- Timely wage payment
- Mandatory appointment letters
- Free annual health check-up for workers above 40
- Gender-neutral wages and no discrimination
Social Security expanded:
- ESIC coverage available across India
- Even establishments with one hazardous-process worker must register
- Fixed-term employees get PF, insurance, and gratuity after just one year
- Gig and platform workers (like delivery and ride-hailing workers) get social security for the first time, funded partly by aggregators.
Women’s safety and opportunities:
- Women can work night shifts with mandatory safety measures
- Equal wages and equal opportunity protections strengthened
Compliance made easier for businesses:
- Single registration
- Single licence
- Single return
Instead of multiple filings under old laws. A new inspector-cum-facilitator will guide companies instead of just enforcing penalties.
Industrial dispute resolution becomes faster through new industrial tribunals with strict deadlines to ensure quicker outcomes.
Sector-specific improvements:
- Double wages for overtime
- Stronger safety norms for mines and hazardous industries
Safety committees in larger establishments
Added protections for workers in IT/ITES, plantations, ports, textiles, export units, beedi and cigar units, and audio-visual media.
