India rolls out Labour reforms: Mandatory appointment letters, fixed work hours, and stronger worker protections come into force
New Delhi, November 22, 2025 (ANI): In a landmark move set to transform India's labour landscape, the Government of India has officially implemented the four new Labour Codes from November 21, 2025—ushering in major changes to job security, workplace safety, and employee rights across sectors.
The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSH), 2020—one of the four newly enforced Codes—replaces 13 existing Central labour laws with a single streamlined legislation.
The government says the reforms aim to simplify the country’s complex labour framework, enhance worker welfare, and make India more business-friendly.
What’s Changing for Workers
Under the new Codes, several major benefits kick in for employees and labourers across industries:
• Mandatory Appointment Letters:
Every employee must now receive a formal appointment letter detailing designation, wages, and social security benefits—making jobs more transparent and formalised.
• Reduced Eligibility for Paid Leave:
Workers will now qualify for paid leave after 180 working days in a year instead of the previous 240 days.
• Fixed Work Hours:
Employees cannot be made to work beyond 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week. Governments may frame rules for shorter workweeks (4-, 5-, or 6-day formats).
• Flexible and Better-Paid Overtime:
Workers may earn double wages for overtime, with state governments free to set overtime limits beyond the earlier 75 hours per quarter.
• Broader Protection for Migrant Workers:
The definition of Inter-State Migrant Workers now includes those who migrate on their own or through contractors. A national database is being developed to help map skills and provide social security.
Stronger Safety, Health, and Welfare Measures
The OSH Code expands health and safety requirements to all sectors, instead of just seven earlier. It mandates:
- Free annual health checkups for employees
- Safety committees in larger factories, construction sites, and mines
- A unified National Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board to set nationwide safety standards
- A Social Security Fund for unorganised workers
- Decriminalisation of several offences to encourage compliance rather than punishment
Courts can now direct that 50% of fines be paid directly to victims or their legal heirs in cases of serious injury or death.
Recognition for Digital & Media Professionals
The Codes modernise labour definitions to include:
- Digital and audio-visual workers
- Dubbing artists
- Stunt performers
- Electronic and digital media journalists
This ensures these workers receive the same workplace protections as those in traditional industries.
Stronger Gender Inclusivity
Women can now work in any establishment, in any shift—including night shifts—provided safety, transportation, and workplace facilities are ensured. The government says this provision enhances gender equality and expands employment opportunities for women.
A New Era for India’s Workforce
By merging 29 labour laws into four modern Codes—the Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Social Security Code, and OSH Code—the government says the reforms mark a major step toward making India’s labour market “future-ready,” supporting a stronger economy and an empowered workforce.