The Indian government is already prepared to make sweeping changes to the country’s labour laws. With the beginning of the new year 2026, draft rules for the New Labor Codes have been released, to implement them nationwide from April 1, 2026. This change not only applies to organized sector employees, but for the first time, will also bring gig workers and platform workers under the umbrella of social security. If you are employed by a company or are associated with platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and Ola, this news is crucial for your future.
These 4 Labour Codes Will Change the Way of Working
The government has consolidated decades-old, complex labour laws into four major codes. Their primary objective is to simplify regulations and provide workers with robust protection. First comes the Wage Code 2019, which will bring uniformity to minimum wages and bonus rules. The second is the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, which aims to make dispute resolution and layoff rules in companies transparent.
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The third important code is the Social Security Code, 2020, which will significantly expand pension, insurance, and maternity benefits. Finally, there is the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, which will ensure workplace safety standards and better working conditions. Together, these four codes will create a robust framework that will facilitate business and protect workers’ rights.
Social Security for Gig and Platform Workers
For the first time in India’s history, delivery boys, cab drivers, and gig workers on digital platforms are proposed to be legally granted social security. According to the new draft rules, these workers will receive government benefits only if they meet certain strict conditions. If a worker is working with a single aggregator (such as Zomato alone), they will be required to work for at least 90 days in the previous financial year.
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At the same time, if a person works on different platforms, a total of 120 days of work must be completed in a year. The calculation of working days has also been done in a very strict manner. If you work on three different platforms in a single day, it will be counted as three working days. This will make it easier for those who are active on multiple apps to increase their earnings to qualify.
10 Changes for General Employees
The new labor codes are not only for delivery partners, but also have several strict provisions for the middle class working in offices. Now, it will be illegal to hire any employee without an official appointment letter. Additionally, companies will be required to provide free health checkups every year for employees over 40 years of age.
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A significant step has also been taken towards gender equality. Now, the rule of ‘equal pay for equal work’ will be strictly enforced. Additionally, women will now be able to work in all shifts (including night shifts) at will, provided the company makes adequate arrangements for their safety and transportation. These reforms will create an inclusive and safe workplace environment.
Security for 100 Crore Workers
Union Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has clarified that the government’s goal is to bring 1 billion workers in the country under social security coverage by March 2026. Data shows that coverage was only 19% in 2015, which has increased to over 64% by 2025. The government wants every hand to have work, and every job to receive respect and adequate protection. Since labour is a subject under the Concurrent List, state governments will also issue their own rules under these codes, and suggestions have also been sought from the public.