Rules finalised, rollout of all 4 labour codes likely in April

New Delhi, Mar 30, 2026

Synopsis
New rules for four labour codes are ready for notification. These codes consolidate 44 laws into 29 provisions. Implementation is expected in April. This will bring social security to unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers. Mandatory health check-ups and unemployment benefits will be introduced. A social security fund will be established for 400 million unorganised workers.

The government had notified the labour codes with effect from November 21, 2025, and had put out the draft rules across the 4 codes in public domain for consultation as mandated by law.

The Centre has firmed up the rules under all four labour codes and could notify them shortly for implementation in April, officials said.

A senior government official told ET that the labour and employment ministry has finalised the rules and these will be notified soon after vetting by the law ministry. The four codes-the Code on Wages, the Code on Social Security, the Industrial Relations Code, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code-have streamlined India's regulatory framework by consolidating 44 labour laws to 29 provisions.

The government had notified the labour codes with effect from November 21, 2025, and had put out the draft rules across the 4 codes in public domain for consultation as mandated by law.

Views were received till January, after which they were considered by the ministry to finalise the rules in the central sphere.

The rules, once notified, will pave the way for social security for unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers, mandatory annual health check-up for workers above 40 years, statutory minimum wages for all and unemployment benefits, etc.

The government will immediately set up a social security fund to extend comprehensive social security coverage to 400 million unorganised workers.

[The Economic Times]