India rolls out 4 new labor codes to upgrade worker rights

Business Nov 22, 2025

India just launched four major labor codes—Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, and Occupational Safety—replacing 29 old laws.
The big changes? All workers now get appointment letters, a universal minimum wage, on-time pay, and even gig workers are covered by social security.

Why should you care?

These reforms mean fixed-term employees earn gratuity after just one year.
Women can work night shifts if they want (with proper safety), and anyone over 40 gets free yearly health check-ups.
The idea is to make jobs more secure and workplaces fairer—especially for young people and small businesses.
But for all this to really work, the rules need strong enforcement and protection of workers' rights.