New Delhi, Nov. 24 -- It is welcome that the government has notified the four labour codes that have been ready since 2020 (the code on wages was framed in 2019). For these laws to become operational, state governments have to notify the rules that will give them teeth.

A major gain for the Indian economy from Friday's move is at the normative level; for example, EU officials who must ascertain our labour standards for commercial engagement now have to deal with fewer central laws, instead of 44.

While 29 have been subsumed in the four notified codes-on wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety and health-several others remain, such as a law against sexual harassment at the workplace, a ban on child labour and...