India Merges 29 Labour Laws into Four Comprehensive Codes
On November 21, the Indian government consolidated 29 labour laws into four codes: Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Social Security Code, and Occupational Safety Code. This reform is expected to impact over 400 million workers across formal and informal sectors. Key provisions include universal minimum wages, gratuity eligibility for fixed-term employees after one year, and double wages for overtime. The Industrial Relations Code allows layoffs for companies with up to 299 employees without government approval, raising the threshold from 100. The new codes also extend social security benefits to gig and platform workers and include provisions for work-from-home arrangements. The government aims to simplify compliance and enhance worker rights while promoting ease of doing business.
Published 13 days ago • 22 Nov 2025, 11:13 AM IST