India Notifies Four Labour Codes Amid Opposition Criticism

The Indian government has notified the four labour codes, which include the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. The codes, which came into force on November 21, 2025, aim to simplify and modernise India's labour regulations to improve ease of doing business while ensuring worker welfare.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the notification of the labour codes, alleging that the government deliberately waited until the assembly elections were over before notifying the codes. Kharge warned that the labour reforms would severely impact workers across the country and create a 'hire-and-fire' environment.

The Centre has maintained that the labour codes are aimed at simplifying and modernising India's labour regulations to improve ease of doing business while ensuring worker welfare. The codes have been designed to replace and consolidate 29 existing labour laws into a simplified structure.

The Congress party has reiterated its 'Shramik Nyay' agenda, which focuses on strengthening labour protections and welfare measures, including restoration of MGNREGA and its expansion to urban areas, a national minimum wage of Rs 400 per day, and a Right to Health law offering universal health coverage of Rs 25 lakh. The party has also promised comprehensive social security for unorganised workers and steps to stop contractualisation in core government functions.

The Centre is expected to face opposition from trade unions and workers' organisations over the implementation of the labour codes, with Kharge and other opposition leaders likely to continue their criticism of the reforms. The government will likely respond to the criticism and work to implement the codes, with the labour ministry expected to monitor the impact of the reforms on workers and the economy.