LABOUR LAW REFORMS IN INDIA THROUGH THE FOUR LABOUR CODES: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF IMPLICATIONS FOR WORKERS' RIGHTS

This paper provides a critical assessment of the four new labour codes introduced in India—namely, the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Code on Social Security, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code. Enacted with the stated objective of simplifying and consolidating the country’s fragmented labour laws, these codes collectively seek to create a more coherent legal framework governing employment relations. The study examines their effectiveness in safeguarding workers’ rights, particularly with respect to minimum wages, social security entitlements, and occupational health and safety standards. Through a comparative analysis with earlier legislation, the paper highlights progressive features of the reform, while also drawing attention to concerns such as the potential dilution of trade union powers and limitations in collective bargaining rights. Further, the analysis addresses the uneven pace of implementation across states and explores the legal and practical challenges that have emerged. The paper concludes by offering recommendations aimed at strengthening worker protection, ensuring uniform enforcement, and balancing the objectives of labour welfare with economic growth.