Centre ushers reforms, implements 4 Labour Codes to provide social security to all workers

REPLACING 29 LAWS WITH A UNIFIED FRAMEWORK

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NEW DELHI: In a landmark overhaul of labour laws and a major policy shift, the Modi government on Friday notified all four Labour Codes, ushering in major reforms, including universal social security coverage for gig workers, mandatory appointment letters for all employees, and statutory minimum wages and timely payment across sectors.

The four Labour Codes -- the Code of Wages (2019, Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020) and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020) effective Friday, replace 29 fragmented laws with a unified, modern framework. The move rationalises 29 existing labour laws and aims to modernise regulations and strengthen worker protection.

The reforms include expanded rights and safety for women, including night-shift work, free annual health check-ups for workers aged over 40 years, pan-India ESIC coverage including hazardous process units, and a single registration, licence and return system.

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...