New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- Even as the Centre moves to overhaul India's labour regime through four new labour codes, the Economic Survey 2025-26 flags a widening gap between reform intent and labour-market reality-particularly for gig workers, women, and newly skilled youth.

Notified last November, the codes promise expanded social security, minimum wage guarantees, and a simpler compliance framework aimed at balancing workers' welfare with industry competitiveness. The survey also points to gains such as safer and more flexible work arrangements that could improve gender diversity.

But these reforms come against the backdrop of persistent fault lines: volatile incomes for India's fast-growing gig workforce, weak access to formal credit, low...