India Labor Codes 2025: From 21 November 2025, new labor codes have come into force in India in place of the old labor laws. These changes are not limited to just laborers or employees, but are also important for students preparing for UPSC and other competitive exams. In the new codes, major changes have been made in everyday rules like salary, holidays, working hours, women's safety and social security. If you want to know how these new codes will affect the common man and job seekers, then read further.

Now 4 big codes in place of 29 old laws

Now 29 different labor laws in India have been converted into four main codes. Its objective is to simplify the rules, increase the 'ease of doing' in business and create a uniform framework for all.

• Code on Wages, 2019- This includes rules on minimum wage, bonus and equal pay.
• Industrial Relations Code, 2020-Rules relating to trade unions, industrial disputes and standing orders.
• Code on Social Security, 2020- Employees' Provident Fund (PF), ESIC, gratuity and maternity benefits for illnesses and injuries.
• Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020- Rules related to safety and health in factories and mines.

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Social Security and Wage Changes

• Gig and platform workers- Now legal protection has been fixed for freelancers and employees doing app-based work.
• National Floor Wage – The national level of minimum wage is fixed, states cannot reduce it.
• Job Letter (Appointment Letter)- Now even if the job is small, it is mandatory to give a written job letter.

Industrial relations and dismissal rules

• Retrenchment Threshold – Now retrenchment and closure of up to 300 employees is allowed instead of 100.
• Fixed-Term Employment- Fixed-term employees will also get the same facilities as permanent employees and will get gratuity only in one year.

Security and rights for women

• Equal Remuneration- Women will get equal pay for equal work.
• Night Shifts & All Sectors- Women can do night shifts in factories, mines and other industries, provided there are security arrangements.

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Safety, Health and Welfare

• Annual Health Check-ups – Free health check-up is mandatory for employees above 40 years of age.
• Accident Coverage – Accidents occurring while traveling from home to office or for some work will now also be covered.
• Simplified Compliance- Now just one registration, one license and filing one return will provide relief to small and medium businesses (MSMEs).