Parliament Question: Provisions for workers in Labour Codes

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 730 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.02.2026 PROVISIONS FOR WORKERS IN LABOUR CODES 730. # DR. BHIM SINGH: Will the Minister of Labour and Employment be pleased to state: (a) the key provisions implemented so far for the workers in the organized and unorganized sectors under the new Labour Codes and the changes they have brought about in terms of wages, employment security and social security coverage; and (b) the impact of implementation of the new Labour Codes on migrant and unorganized workers in the State of Bihar and the specific steps taken in the State for registration, social security and protection of rights of such workers? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE) (a) & (b): The Central Government has implemented the four Labour Codes namely, the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 which have come into effect from 21.11.2025. The new Labour Codes strengthen the protection available to workers including organised and unorganized workers including in the state of Bihar. Important provisions under the four Labour Codes relating to wages, formalisation of employment and social security include- i. A statutory right to all workers for minimum wages and timely payment of wages. ii. Universalization of social security by extending coverage to organized and unorganized workers including gig and platform workers; iii. Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) coverage for establishments having more than 10 employees on mandatory basis and for establishments having less than 10 employees on voluntary basis and furthermore even for one employee if the establishment is involved in hazardous process. Contd..2/-:: 2 :: iv. The provisions of EPFO shall now apply to all establishments employing 20 or more employees, universalizing its coverage; v. Setting up of a Social Security Fund for formulating schemes for unorganised workers, gig and platform workers. vi. Safe and healthy working conditions for all workers. vii. Provision for annual health check-up and issuance of appointment letters to all employees; viii. Provision of Workers’ Re-Skilling Fund for retrenched workers; ix. Women are allowed to work in all types of work and establishments and at night subject to their consent and safety; and x. Definition of Inter-State Migrant Worker expanded that includes migrant workers employed by contractor, and also self- migrated. The migrant workers are now entitled for annual lump-sum travel allowance and portability of benefits. *****