Congress questions effectiveness of ‘repackaged’ 4 labour codes, asks Centre to ‘learn from Karnataka’

The four labour codes are the Code of Wages (2019, Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020) and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020). Effective Friday. These codes will replace the 29 fragmented laws with a unified, modern framework.

Taking to X, Ramesh posted, “Over five years after they were cleared by Parliament, the Centre on Friday implemented the four long-pending labour codes covering wages, industrial relations, social security and working conditions. 29 existing labour-related laws have been re-packaged into 4 codes. This is being marketed as some revolutionary reform when even the Rules have yet to be notified. But will these codes make these 5 essential demands of India’s workers for Shramik Nyay a reality?”

29 existing labour-related laws have been re-packaged into 4 codes. This is being marketed as some revolutionary reform when even the Rules have yet to be notified.

But will these codes make these 5 essential demands of India’s workers for Shramik Nyay a reality?

1. National…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) November 22, 2025

The new labour codes cover wages, industrial relations, social security and working conditions, with PM Modi describing the codes as “one of the most comprehensive and progressive labour-oriented reforms since Independence”.

The government is likely to pre-publish draft rules for the labour codes within a week, following which it will provide a 45-day window for public comments before finalising the rules.

Some of the provisions of the codes that relate to the industry may come into effect from April 1, 2026, according to an official.

“The Modi Government must learn from the examples of the @INCIndia Government in Karnataka and the former Government in Rajasthan, which have pioneered labour reform for the 21st century with their groundbreaking gig worker laws that preceded the new codes,” Ramesh added.