India, Nov. 22 -- The Union Government on Friday notified four new labour codes with immediate effect. The Code on Wages (2019), the Industrial Relations Code (2020), the Code on Social Security (2020) and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code (2020) rationalise 29 existing labour laws.

Key provisions include mandatory appointment letters to workers to ensure formalisation and job

security; universal social security coverage, including for gig, platform, contract and migrant workers, with PF, ESIC, and insurance benefits; statutory minimum wages and timely payment across all sectors; expanded rights and safety for women, including night-shift work and mandatory grievance committees; and free annual health c...