**Executive Summary**
This document is a response from the Minister of State for Labour and Employment to unstarred question number 2409 in the Lok Sabha, concerning the implementation of four Labour Codes. The question was scheduled to be answered on December 15, 2025. The document outlines the government's approach to the implementation, addressing concerns raised by trade union leaders and state governments.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Labour Code Implementation:**
* The four Labour Codes were passed after extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including State/UT Governments.
* Comments/concerns raised by stakeholders were acknowledged and examined before passage.
* The Codes came into effect on November 21, 2025 across the country.
* **Stakeholder Engagement:**
* Several National and Regional Labour Conferences were held with States/UTs to discuss issues relating to the four Labour Codes.
* The Ministry is interacting with all stakeholders, including States/UTs, for smooth implementation.
* **Worker Protection:**
* Various concrete provisions have been made in the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 to protect workers' interests.
* Collective bargaining has been strengthened and made statutory through recognition of Negotiating Unions and Councils.
* A two-member Industrial Tribunal aims to ensure faster dispute resolution.
* **State/UT Rule Finalization:**
* States/UTs are still in the process of finalizing the Rules under the Labour Codes.
* Status of pre-published Rules by States/UTs:
* Code on Wages, 2019: 34
* Industrial Relations Code, 2020: 35
* Code on Social Security, 2020: 34
* Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: 35
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Trade Unions**
* **Impact:** Addressed concerns through extensive consultations, with the aim of creating a free atmosphere for trade unions. Provisions have been made to protect workers' interests and strengthen collective bargaining.
* **Action Required:** Engage in ongoing discussions and negotiations with the government and employers to ensure effective implementation of the Labour Codes and protection of workers' rights.
**Stakeholder: State/UT Governments**
* **Impact:** Involved in the consultation process and responsible for implementing the Labour Codes at the state/UT level.
* **Action Required:** Finalize and pre-publish the Rules under the four Labour Codes to facilitate implementation. Participate in discussions with the Ministry and other stakeholders for smooth implementation.
**Stakeholder: Employers**
* **Impact:** Required to adhere to the provisions of the Labour Codes and engage in collective bargaining with recognized trade unions.
* **Action Required:** Familiarize themselves with the new Labour Codes, engage in negotiations with trade unions, and comply with all relevant rules and regulations.
**Stakeholder: Workers**
* **Impact:** Interests are intended to be protected through various provisions in the Labour Codes, including strengthened collective bargaining and a faster dispute resolution mechanism.
* **Action Required:** Be aware of their rights and responsibilities under the new Labour Codes, participate in collective bargaining through recognized trade unions, and utilize the dispute resolution mechanisms when necessary.
Key Entities Referenced
Labour Codes: A set of four codes consolidating various labour laws in India, aimed at simplifying and modernizing labor regulations.
Ministry of Labour and Employment: The Indian government ministry responsible for labor policies, including the implementation of Labour Codes.
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020: One of the four Labour Codes in India, focusing on industrial relations matters.
The Code on Wages, 2019: One of the four Labour Codes in India, focusing on wage regulations.
States/UTs: Indian States and Union Territories that are responsible for implementing rules under the Labour Codes.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2409
TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.12.2025
IMPLEMENTATION OF LABOUR CODES
2409. SHRI RAJA A:
PROF. SOUGATA RAY:
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to
state:
(a) whether the Government has made notification for
implementation of four Labour codes on which trade union
leaders have expressed reservations and if so, the details
thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to call Indian Labour
Conference or Tripartite meeting between Government,
employer and Trade Unions for resolving some of the thorny
issues raised in the provision of Labour Codes;
(c) if so, the response of the Government thereto including the
objects that the proposal aims to create trade unions free
atmosphere;
(d) if not, the manner in which the Government expects smooth
implementation of the said Codes when Trade Unions registered
strong protest and various State Governments have also not
notified the rules under the said Codes; and
(e) whether it is true that some of the State Governments prepared
draft on the rules to implement the new four Labour codes and if
so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)
(a) to (d): The four Labour Codes were passed after extensive
consultations with all stakeholders including State/UT Governments.
The comments/concerns raised by the stakeholders were
acknowledged and examined before the passage of four Labour
Codes. The Codes came into force with effect from 21.11.2025 across
the country.
Contd..2/-:: 2 ::
Several National and Regional Labour Conferences were
held with States/UTs to discuss issues relating to four Labour Codes.
The Ministry is also interacting with all stakeholders including
States/UTs for smooth implementation of the four Labour Codes.
Further, various concrete provisions have been made in
the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 to protect the interest of workers.
The collective bargaining of workers has been strengthened and
made statutory through recognition of Negotiating Union and
Negotiating Council. The provision of two-member Industrial Tribunal
will ensure faster dispute resolution.
(e): The States/UTs are still in process of finalizing the Rules
under the four Labour Codes. As per available information, Code wise
status of pre-published Rules by States/UTs are as under:
a) The Code on Wages, 2019: 34
b) The Industrial Relations Code, 2020: 35
c) The Code on Social Security, 2020: 34
d) The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code,
2020: 35
*****