Where do states stand on implementing the four labour codes? Govt answers

The government on Monday said most states and Union Territories have either finalised or published draft rules needed for the implementation of four labour codes, while a few are still in the process of doing so.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje said the Central Rules under the Code on Wages, 2019, Industrial Relations Code, 2020, Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH&WC) Code, 2020 were notified on May 8, 2026.

Since labour is a subject in the Concurrent List of the Constitution, states and Union Territories are required to frame their own rules under the labour codes, she said.

"The Ministry of Labour and Employment is proactively engaged with the States/UTs for finalisation of their rules and smooth implementation of the Codes," Karandlaje said.

Accordingly, she said, most states and UTs have already finalised or published/pre-published the rules under the labour codes, while a few are in the process of pre-publishing or finalising them.

The minister, however, did not provide a state-wise status of implementation.

Responding to queries on steps taken to address concerns of workers and employers, Karandlaje said the four labour codes were enacted after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including states and Union Territories, and the comments received were examined before the laws were passed and the rules finalised.

She said several national and regional labour conferences were also held to discuss issues related to the labour codes and the ministry continues to engage with stakeholders for their smooth implementation.

The labour codes will provide universal minimum wages and social security benefits for workers, she added.

On social security for gig and platform workers, the minister said the labour codes define these categories of workers for the first time to enable formulation of schemes covering life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits and old-age protection.

Karandlaje said the new framework also seeks to reduce multiplicity of definitions and authorities, promote greater use of technology, improve transparency and accountability in enforcement.

The four labour codes, which consolidate 29 central labour laws, came into effect on November 21, 2025. They provide for measures such as mandatory appointment letters, universal minimum wages, wider social security coverage, simplified compliance norms and enhanced protections for contract, fixed-term, gig and platform workers.