Uttar Pradesh Labour and Employment Minister Anil Rajbhar stated that the four new labour reforms have historically reduced the complexity of labour laws by simplifying and modernizing the country’s labour system, providing workers with security, respect, and timely services.
The Centre has implemented the Wage Code 2019, the Social Security Code 2020, the Industrial Relations Code 2020, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020, integrating 29 old labor laws. The new codes have come into effect nationwide on November 21, 2025.
Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, Rajbhar said that the number of sections has been reduced from 1,228 previously to 480. Only 351 rules have been implemented, replacing 1,436 rules. 84 registers have been replaced by just 8, and 31 returns have been replaced by a single return. This will reduce the compliance burden on employers and more effectively protect the interests of workers.
Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message, the minister stated that these codes will ensure stability and security in the lives of youth, women, gig workers, and all workers, and will accelerate economic growth.
He explained that the inspection system has been completely online to enhance transparency. The randomized inspection system will eliminate the concept of inspector raj and transform the inspector’s role into that of a facilitator. In the event of a first violation, employers can obtain abatement by paying 50 percent of the maximum fine, thereby avoiding unnecessary prosecution. This will promote ease of doing business and provide industries relief from unnecessary disputes.
The minister said the definition of wages has been unified, and the minimum wage will now apply to all organized and unorganized sectors. Timelines for salary payments have been mandated, and in the event of termination or resignation, all bills are guaranteed to be paid within two days. The provision of double pay for overtime, a maximum deduction limit of 50 percent, and the provision of wage slips to all employees have now been made mandatory, making the pay system completely transparent.
Detailing the Social Security Code, he said that for the first time, gig and platform workers have been legally defined and brought under the ambit of social security. A fund will be created for their welfare, to which the government and aggregators will contribute 1–2 percent of their turnover. Fixed-term employees will receive the same benefits as permanent employees and are entitled to gratuity upon completion of one year of service. The gratuity eligibility period for working journalists has been reduced from five years to three years. To provide relief to ordinary citizens, the limit for private housing construction has been increased to 50 lakh rupees.
Regarding the Industrial Relations Code, Minister Rajbhar stated that it combines three acts to create a modern and clear system. State government permission will be mandatory for retrenchment or closure of establishments with more than 300 employees. Mass leave has been included in the definition of strike, and any strike, lockout, or leave without 14 days’ prior notice will be prohibited. A Grievance Redressal Committee, a Negotiation Council, and a two-member Industrial Tribunal have been formed to enhance coordination between industries and workers.
On the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, Rajbhar said a comprehensive and integrated framework has been created by abolishing 13 outdated laws. It modernizes all provisions related to safety, health, sanitation, working hours, and workplace suitability for workers in factories, plantations, mines, journalism, construction, and the service sector. It is mandatory for all establishments to conduct annual health checkups for their workers and provide reports.
He said the state government will establish career centers at the local level, where data collection, counseling, and job fairs will be organized for youth seeking employment. The entire registration, application and correspondence process will now be completely electronic. He expressed confidence that these reforms will give a new direction to the development of industries, employment expansion and labour welfare simultaneously.