The enactment of the four labour codes will not fundamentally change labour law administration, according to experts Kingshuk Sarkar and Santosh Mehrotra. The four labour codes amalgamate 29 existing labour laws, but workers' woes remain largely unaddressed.
Key Concerns Raised
The authors highlight that despite the consolidation, the new codes do not address core issues such as contract labour, minimum wage enforcement, and social security coverage. The lack of effective implementation mechanisms and inadequate grievance redressal systems continue to plague the workforce.
Impact on Workers
While the government touts the codes as a reform to simplify compliance and boost ease of doing business, workers face uncertainty regarding job security and fair wages. The absence of a universal social security floor and weak protections for informal sector workers are major gaps.
- Contract labour remains vulnerable to exploitation.
- Minimum wage compliance is poorly monitored.
- Social security coverage excludes most informal workers.
The article, published on May 15, 2026, underscores the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and inclusive policies to truly benefit the labour force.
