New Labour Code: New rules will come into effect from April 1, employees will get these special facilities..

A major change is about to take place regarding workers in the country. The central government is rapidly moving towards implementing the new labor codes from April 1, 2026. The Ministry of Labor and Employment has begun the process of finalizing the rules for all four labor codes. Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that these rules will soon be pre-published so that the public can provide their feedback within 45 days. After this, they will be notified, and the new system will be implemented.

Several Major Changes in the Lives of Workers
The new labor code aims to provide greater security, flexibility, and improved facilities to workers in the country. The new rules include several important changes, from working hours to social security.

New Working Hours and Overtime System
While the working hours are still limited to 8 hours a day, a provision of 48 hours per week has been introduced. This means that companies can make employees work 4 extra hours and also give them 3 days off. Clear arrangements have also been made for overtime, ensuring employees receive full compensation for their extra work. This change will also provide employees with flexibility and the opportunity to improve their work-life balance.

Appointment Letters and the Right to Equal Pay
According to the new rules, it will now be mandatory to provide an appointment letter to every employee. This will not only clarify job terms but also enhance job security. Furthermore, the provision of "equal pay for equal work" has been strengthened, ensuring equal pay for both men and women in similar roles.

Free Health Checkups for Employees Over 40
For the first time, the government has introduced a provision for free health checkups for employees aged 40 and above. This step is considered a major improvement in improving the health and safety of workers.

Women's Freedom to Work in All Shifts
The new labor code provides women with equal opportunities to work in any shift, whether day or night. This will open up new avenues for women's employment and increase their participation in various sectors.

Social Security Scope Will Expand
The government aims to bring 1 billion people under social security coverage by March 2026. Currently, this number is approximately 940 million. Mandaviya explained that while only 19% of workers were covered by social security in 2015, this figure has increased to over 64% by 2025.

The Center and States Will Have to Implement the Law Together
Because labor law is a subject of the "Concurrent List," both the Center and the States will have to notify rules at their respective levels to implement the new code. Only then will this new labor system be implemented simultaneously across the country. The new labor code is considered the biggest reform that will transform the way we work in the country. It will provide uniformity in rules for companies and greater security and better facilities for employees.

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