Four Labour Codes: Consolidation of 29 Labour Laws and Universal Social Security

Key facts

• The Central Government has fully operationalised four labour codes: the Code on Wages, 2019 (CW), the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (IRC), the Code on Social Security, 2020 (CSS), and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSHWCC).
• These four codes, which came into effect on 21 November 2025, consolidate 29 existing labour laws into a simplified framework to ensure minimum wage and universal social security for all workers.
• The legal framework mandates the establishment of a National Reskilling Fund (NRF) to be utilised for reskilling workers who lose their jobs.
• Key provisions under the CW, IRC, CSS, and OSHWCC include mandatory appointment letters, free health check-ups for workers aged 40 years and above, and equal work, pay, and opportunity for women.
• The rules cap weekly working hours at 48 hours, mandate at least one rest day per week, and require payment of overtime for work performed beyond standard hours.