ThePrint ThePrintPod:New labour codes are a simplification that’s been long overdue. Its a strategic shift
Nov 24, 2025
The discussion highlights India's sweeping labour law reform, transforming 29 laws into four streamlined codes. The need for simplification is underscored, as it addresses the tangled web of past regulations. Key changes include improved wage rights and safety for gig workers, while businesses can benefit from reduced compliance friction. The potential for enhanced worker protection is noted alongside the challenges of implementation. Ultimately, the reform aims to strike a balance between flexibility and fairness to stimulate investment and productivity.
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Four Codes Replace 29 Confusing Laws
- India consolidated 29 central labour laws into four unified codes to simplify regulation and reduce contradictions.
- This redesign aims to replace a fragmented maze of statutes with a single modern framework for wages, industrial relations, social security, and safety.
Clearer Structure For Key Worker Protections
- The codes group wage rules, industrial relations, social security and safety under distinct umbrellas for clarity and coherence.
- This structure creates pathways to include gig workers and strengthen equal pay and workplace safety standards.
Labour Market Is Expanding Rapidly
- Rapid workforce growth and diversification make regulatory modernization urgent in India.
- Employment rose substantially between 2017-18 and 2023-24, showing the labour market is expanding and changing fast.