New Labour Codes

India's fascination with instant delivery is not unique. It took root during the pandemic, when lockdowns made rapid doorstep access to essentials a necessity

Labour secretary Vandana Gurnani has urged states to fast-track labour code rules, avoid overlaps with Shops and Establishments Acts, and strengthen Centre-state coordination

The Centre inaugurated the second of six regional conferences in Jaipur to discuss rules, IT readiness and coordination with states for smooth implementation of the four Labour Codes

While there is no law yet prohibiting these platforms from advertising 10-minute delivery, the message has been conveyed through government intervention, says sources

Q3 top line beats Street estimates, bottom line misses expectations

Statutory impact of new labour codes, AI-led restructuring costs and a large legal provision weighed on TCS's Q3 FY26 profitability

India's new labour codes promise simplification, but for MSMEs the transition could mean higher wage bills and tougher compliance - unless strong handholding follows

With the UK, EFTA deals already in the bag, EU on the way, almost every member of RCEP except China signed up, and even restrictions on China being lifted, India has changed its mind on trade

This is the first of six regional conferences planned by the Central government, covering all states, Union territories and key stakeholders

Draft rules under the new Labour Codes set minimum work-day criteria for gig workers to access social security benefits, prompting unions to seek clarity on eligibility and safeguards

Centre pre-publishes draft labour rules, says gig workers must work 90 days a year to qualify for social security benefits; stakeholders can give feedback

Draft rules under India's four Labour Codes clarify wages and gratuity calculations, extend social security, but smaller firms still face implementation concerns

Revised draft rules for the four Labour Codes clarify key provisions such as gratuity on 'wages' and gig worker registration, with stakeholder inputs invited for up to 45 days

Companies must recognise higher gratuity and leave liabilities under new labour codes as expenses in interim financial results for the period ending December 31, 2025

After a long wait of five years, the government has set in motion the four labour codes, which will be fully operationalised in 2026 with publication of rules ensuring minimum wage and universal social security for all workers in the country. The labour ministry has also planned to bring in EPFO 3.0 version in 2026, which will ensure speedy withdrawal of employees' provident fund as well as fixation of pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 and insurance claims under Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme 1976. Talking to PTI, Union Labour & Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said 2025 has been truly transformative for India's labour and employment ecosystem, marked by reforms that place workers at the centre of governance. A defining landmark of the year was the coming into effect of the four Labour Codes from November 21, 2025, modernising and consolidating 29 labour laws into a simplified, contemporary framework, he noted. "Looking ahead to 2026, the focus will

A joint platform of central trade unions have decided to hold a nationwide strike in February against the government's move to change legislations related to workers, the nuclear energy sector, and rural jobs. The trade unions are opposing the four new labour codes notified by the government in November and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, passed by the Parliament during the Winter Session, which was concluded on December 19. Also, the unions are against the passage of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), 2005 and seeks to provide rural workers with an employment guarantee of 125 days per financial year. Members of the farmers' body Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and NCCOEEE (National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers) have extended their support to the .

Gurnani said that both the Centre and state governments will help the labour inspectors understand their new role of inspector-cum-facilitator and provide them with training

The four labour codes enforced in November are suitable for the present nature of employment as well as the kind of economic growth happening in the country, a senior official said on Friday. Addressing the National Logistics Summit 3.0 organised by PHDCCI, Union Labour Secretary Vandana Gurnani termed the new labour codes as a game-changer for a dynamic economy. The complexities and the outdated laws have been done away with, and rules are now being streamlined into four codes enacted in 2019-20 and activated from November 21, 2025, she pointed out. She said, "These codes are now fit for purpose in terms of what the current nature of employment is, and the significant economic growth India is witnessing." Gurnani mentioned about easing of various compliance norms, including the reduction in the number of registrations from 8 to one, 31 returns to one, and 87 registers to eight. She emphasised that the new codes will ensure minimum wages, mandatory appointment letters, and enhance

Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday dismissed concerns that the recently enforced labour codes would encourage hire & fire and inspector raj, and said the new laws will formalise employment while inspectors will be facilitators. Under the new codes, government permission is not required for layoff, retrenchment and closure of units with workers' strength of up to 300. Earlier, units with up to 100 workers did not require such permission. Addressing the Times Network India Economic Conclave, Mandaviya said, "We have formalised employment in the country with increasing the number of workers to 300 per unit, which was earlier 100." Earlier employers used to provide formal employment to 100 workers to avoid legal hassles and the rest were employed informally, he said. He said new codes have formalised employment of the left-out workers and they will get all benefits that an enrolled employee gets. On concerns about encouraging inspector raj by increasing compliance burden, .

The Centre has proposed renaming MGNREGA as VB-RaM G, raising guaranteed workdays to 125 and shifting the funding pattern to 60:40, drawing criticism over diluted worker protections