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‘These reforms are not just ordinary changes, but a major step taken by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the welfare of the workforce,’ says Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
These four codes together replace 29 older labour laws and form the new labour-law framework implemented from today. (Image: Canva)
In a significant move aimed at strengthening worker welfare across sectors, India’s long-awaited labour reforms have come into force today, with all four new labour codes officially notified and implemented from November 21, 2025. The new labour codes have introduced a series of landmark reforms benefiting gig and platform workers, women employees, and those employed in MSMEs.
For the first time, the labour codes formally define gig work, platform work and aggregators, giving legal clarity to millions working with digital platforms. Aggregator companies will now be required to contribute 1-2% of their annual turnover to a dedicated Welfare Fund, capped at 5% of the total payments made to workers. This fund will support social security benefits.
“From today, the new labour codes have been made effective in the country…. These reforms are not just ordinary changes, but a major step taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the welfare of the workforce,” said Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in a post on X.
Modi Government’s Guarantee: Dignity for Every Worker!From today, the new labour codes have been made effective in the country. They will ensure:
✅ A guarantee of timely minimum wages for all workers✅ A guarantee of appointment letters for the youth✅ A guarantee of equal…
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) November 21, 2025
In a major relief for delivery and mobility workers, accidents occurring while travelling between home and place of work will now be treated as employment-related, making workers eligible for accident compensation. To ensure continuity of benefits, the government has introduced an Aadhaar-linked Universal Account Number, enabling easy and portable access to welfare schemes across states.
The codes prohibit all forms of gender discrimination and ensure equal pay for equal work. Women can now take up night shifts and work in all types of industries, including previously restricted sectors such as mining and heavy machinery, subject to their consent and mandatory safety arrangements.
Maternity benefits have been strengthened with 26 weeks of paid leave, access to crèche facilities, and flexible work-from-home options. Women employees will also receive a medical bonus of Rs 3,500. Additionally, the family definition for female workers has been expanded to include parents-in-law, widening dependent coverage under social security provisions.
The move has also drawn support from key labour organisations. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), the labour wing of the RSS, has welcomed the implementation of the new Labour Codes, stating that these reforms will bring long-pending social security benefits, streamline worker rights and expand coverage to millions who were previously outside the formal net. The BMS said the Codes reflect a step toward greater welfare and protection for gig workers, women employees and MSME labourers.
The Act, which was first passed in 2020, had not been implemented for five years and now stands implemented effectively November 21, 2025. The government also intends to notify the rules in no time. Keeping up with the reforms being at the centre stage of its governance, this implementation which does away with pre-historic time. Labour laws is one big step in the direction to secure the future of the labour force.
The four new labour codes are Code on Wages, 2019; Industrial Relations Code, 2020; Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020; and Social Security Code, 2020.
November 21, 2025, 15:18 IST
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