Stakeholders hail new Labour Codes for balancing worker protection and economic efficiency: Labour Ministry Survey

The survey was conducted on a total sample size of 6,435.

• Survey finds broad acceptance of Labour Codes among workers and employers
• 60 percent of workers expect improved working conditions as Codes mature
• Employers see simplified compliance and support phased rollout of Labour Codes

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Workers and Employers say that Labour Codes will lead to improvement in ease of living, ease of doing business, strengthened social security, modernised labour relations, and simpler and streamlined compliance, the Ministry of Labour and Employment said in a release on Monday.

Citing a survey conducted by V.V. Giri National Labour Institute, the Ministry said in the assessment of workers and employers, Labour Codes are a credible reform framework that balances labour protection with economic efficiency, institutional logic, and stakeholder acceptance.

The survey, titled "The Implementation of Labour Codes: A Perception-based Analysis", shows a broad-based and constructive acceptance of the Codes among both workers and employers, said the release.

The overall perception scores indicate that stakeholders view the Labour Codes as a credible and forward-looking reform, reflecting confidence in their long-term relevance despite the acknowledged transitional nature of the current phase, the survey report said.

The study finds a consistently positive assessment of the potential impact of the Labour Codes on working conditions, wages, and income security. Workers perceive that the Codes will lead to improved regulation of working hours, better rest and leave practices, and greater regularity in wage payments. Specifically, 60 percent of workers believe that overall working conditions will improve as implementation matures, the report said.

"In addition, 63 percent of workers perceive that the provisions will lead to better regulation of working hours, while 60 percent believe the Codes will improve rest periods and leave practices," it said.

The survey was conducted on a total sample size of 6,435, consisting of 5,720 workers and 715 employers.

On social security, 68 percent of workers welcome e-Shram and Welfare Boards for easier access, and 63 percent see greater portability for contract, migrant, and gig workers.

On the employer’s front, about 64 percent consider fixed-term employment suitable for their business models, and 64 percent expect timely wage rules to promote discipline.

Nearly 75 percent employers favour phased rollout, while 74 percent support a facilitative enforcement model. Also, nearly 73 percent believe that the Labour Codes will simplify compliance requirements.

On the findings, Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that "these findings underscore the Labour Codes’ objective of promoting social security for all, decent work, formalisation, and inclusive and sustainable growth in India’s diverse labour market."

The Government remains committed to strengthening implementation through capacity building, awareness campaigns, ensuring that the benefits of the Labour Codes continue to reach workers and employers across the country, he added.