India's 4 New Labour Codes
29 central labour laws have been consolidated into 4 comprehensive codes, transforming India's employment landscape. Understand the key changes and their impact on your organization.
29
Laws Replaced
4
New Codes
Nov 2025
Effective Date
100%
Workforce Coverage
Code on Wages, 2019
4 laws replacedConsolidates and replaces the Payment of Wages Act 1936, Minimum Wages Act 1948, Payment of Bonus Act 1965, and Equal Remuneration Act 1976.
Key Changes
- Universal minimum wage for all employees
- Wages redefined: basic + DA must be >= 50% of total remuneration
- Floor wage to be set by Central Government
- Gender-neutral equal remuneration provisions
- Mandatory 5-year revision of minimum wages
Industrial Relations Code, 2020
3 laws replacedConsolidates the Trade Unions Act 1926, Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act 1946, and Industrial Disputes Act 1947.
Key Changes
- Standing orders mandatory for 300+ employees (up from 100)
- Government approval needed for retrenchment in 300+ establishments
- Fixed-term employment recognized with equal benefits
- Negotiating union concept for collective bargaining
- 14-day mandatory notice before strikes/lockouts
Social Security Code, 2020
9 laws replacedConsolidates 9 laws including EPF Act, ESI Act, Maternity Benefit Act, Payment of Gratuity Act, and Employee Compensation Act.
Key Changes
- Social security for gig and platform workers
- Gratuity for fixed-term employees (pro-rata, 1-year minimum)
- ESIC wage definition aligned with Code on Wages
- Universal social security fund for unorganized workers
- Simplified registration and compliance process
Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
13 laws replacedConsolidates 13 laws including Factories Act 1948, Contract Labour Act, Inter-State Migrant Workers Act, and Building Workers Act.
Key Changes
- Single registration for establishments
- Women allowed in all sectors including night shifts (with consent and safety)
- National Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board
- Annual health check-ups for employees in hazardous processes
- Inter-state migrant worker protections enhanced