India’s New Labour Codes 2026
A complete guide to the 4 new labour codes consolidating 29 central labour laws. Understand the Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Social Security Code, and OSH Code.
Code on Wages, 2019
The Code on Wages, 2019 amalgamates four existing wage-related labour laws into a single comprehensive code. It universalises the provisions of minimum wages and timely payment of wages to all employees, irrespective of the sector or wage ceiling. The code introduces a national floor wage and removes the distinction between scheduled and non-scheduled employments, ensuring uniform wage protection for all workers.
Consolidates 4 laws
Industrial Relations Code, 2020
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 consolidates and amends the laws relating to trade unions, conditions of employment in industrial establishments, investigation and settlement of industrial disputes, and the registration of trade unions. It introduces significant reforms to the industrial relations framework including the provision for fixed-term employment, a new negotiating mechanism for unions, and a technology-driven conciliation process.
Consolidates 3 laws
Social Security Code, 2020
The Social Security Code, 2020 is the most comprehensive of the four labour codes, consolidating nine existing laws related to social security, provident fund, insurance, maternity benefits, gratuity, and other welfare provisions. The Code introduces universal social security coverage for all workers including gig workers, platform workers, and unorganised sector workers. It creates a framework for a social security fund, centralised unique identification, and portable benefits.
Consolidates 9 laws
Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSH Code), 2020 consolidates 13 existing labour laws regulating safety, health standards, and working conditions. It covers factories, mines, dock workers, building and construction workers, plantations, motor transport workers, contract labour, inter-state migrant workers, journalists, cine workers, and sales promotion employees. The code introduces a single registration and licensing regime, and significantly expands coverage to IT and service sector establishments.
Consolidates 13 laws
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