New Labour Codes, 4 New Labour Laws in India, Significance, Download PDF

New Labour Codes were enforced on 21 November 2025, consolidating 29 central labour laws into four streamlined codes relating to wages, social security, industrial relations, and occupational safety. These laws aim at making compliance easier to handle, extending benefits and protection to a larger group of workers, and aligning with international models of employment standards.

Merging and bringing logical consistency to the existing legislation, these new Codes are designed to encourage formalisation of work, pledging timely and appropriate wages. In general, these new labour laws contribute to sustainable economic development along globally accepted parameters.

What are New Labour Codes?

On 21 November 2025, the Government of India introduced four new labour codes into operation, replacing 29 older laws in a comprehensive labour reform. These New Labour Laws aim to simplify regulations, improve worker protections, and modernise labour practices for the shifting economy. Here is an overview of key aspects of the New Labour Code for New India:  

4 Labour Codes PDF Download

The four Labour Codes implemented in India in 2025 are a comprehensive consolidation of 29 central labour laws into a modern and simplified framework. For a more detailed study, download the 4 Labour Codes PDF from the link given below. Access to the PDFs enables in-depth study and preparation for the UPSC exam.

4 Labour Codes PDF Download

What are 4 Labour Codes?

4 Labour Codes refer to the consolidated labour laws introduced by the government of India to simplify, modernise, and strengthen the labour regulatory environment. They integrate 29 existing labour laws into four comprehensive codes that aim at improving the ease of doing business and ensuring worker welfare. Details of these codes are as follows:

1. Code on Wages, 2019

The Code on Wages consolidates wage laws through the amalgamation of laws on minimum wages, payment of wages, bonuses, and equal remuneration. It guarantees a national floor wage, timely payments, and uniform applicability across all sectors. This would facilitate fair wages and minimise wage-related disputes.

2. Industrial Relations Code, 2020

This code provides amendments relating to the laws dealing with trade unions, industrial disputes, lay-offs, and dispute resolution. It provides for fixed-term employment and increases the thresholds at which lay-offs require government approval. It was meant to bring a balanced framework that would achieve industrial harmony and better relations between employees and employers.

3. Social Security Code, 2020

The Social Security Code integrates nine laws on benefits such as EPF, ESI, gratuity, maternity benefits, and insurance. It extends social security coverage to gig workers, platform workers, and unorganised workers through a centralised database. The code aims to make social protection more inclusive and more accessible.

4. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code, 2020

This code consolidates 13 basic laws regarding workplace safety, health standards of work, and working conditions. This prescribes the regulations relating to working hours, safety, employee welfare facilities, and obligations of the employer. The aim is to establish workplaces that are safer and healthier in all sectors.

Key Changes Introduced by New Labour Laws

Overhauling India's labour framework has brought some key changes:

• Simplified Compliance: Instead of multiple registrations, employers now need only one registration, one license, and one return.
• Minimum Wage Guarantee: There is a statutory minimum wage for all workers, regardless of sector.
• Social Security Extension: Over 400 million workers, including gig and platform workers, are set to formally receive Social Security now.
• Workers' Documentation: An appointment letter issued by an employer is required for all workers, increasing job security and transparency.
• Equal Pay & Women's Rights: The new codes have made provisions for equal pay for equal work and permitted women to work night shifts with safety measures and consent.
• Health & Safety: Free annual medical check-ups for employees over 40; enhanced protection for workers in dangerous industries.
• Fixed-Term Employees: They are now entitled to gratuity after a continuous one-year service, whereas the old five-year requirement has been discarded.

Significance of New Labour Laws in India 2025

The labour reforms of India reflect the ambition to create a "future-ready" workforce. The four new labour codes aim at reducing compliance burden, encouraging formal employment, and extending social security to hitherto unprotected workers. The importance of the new labour reforms India is as follows:

• Consolidates 29 existing laws into 4 labour codes, reducing complexity and easing compliance for employers.
• This will improve the welfare of workers by ensuring fair wages, better social security, and increased coverage for gig and unorganized workers.
• Advances safer workplaces through clearer health, safety, and working condition standards across industries.
• Improves the ease of doing business by having the same rules, digital compliance, and more flexibility in hiring and managing the workforce.
• Supports India's economic growth by modernising labour reforms to be on par with global standards and encourages investment.

Need guidance for Prelims? Explore PW UPSC Courses now!