New labor codes kick in November 21: What's changing?
Big update for workers and employers—India is rolling out four new labor codes on November 21, 2025, replacing 29 older laws.
The goal? To make rules simpler and bring more consistency to things like wages, benefits, and workplace safety across the country.
What's new and why it matters
Now, employers have to give wage slips and pay salaries on time.
Gig workers (think delivery folks or app-based drivers) will finally get social security benefits, with companies pitching into a fund for them.
The threshold for layoffs needing government approval jumps from 100 to 300 workers, plus fixed-term contracts are now official.
Women can opt in for night shifts if safety is provided—a step forward—but unions worry these changes could make it easier for companies to hire or fire people and limit strikes.