India, Nov. 25 -- The government has finally initiated the long-pending labour reforms, bringing four labour codes into effect from 21 November 2025.

The move, which replaces 29 central labour laws with a consolidated framework, aims to formalise employment, widen social security coverage and update workplace norms.

Of the four codes, the Wage Code standardises minimum wages and payment rules. The Industrial Relations Code simplifies hiring, layoffs, and dispute processes. The Social Security Code extends schemes like PF, ESI and insurance, providing social security to gig, platform, and unorganised workers. Finally, the OSH Code sets uniform norms for workplace safety, working hours, and welfare.

The rollout of these reforms had been ...