As India continues to remain bright spot among the global gloom, the Centre’s new initiative to overhaul the labour laws will usher in a new era. With demographic setup across Tier-II and Tier-III cities changing dramatically, it was pertinent that the Union government consolidated 29 labour laws into four new labour codes. These codes that were announced last week speak extensively about wages, overtime, social security net and much more. Effective from November 2025, the four labour codes also provide sector-wise benefits to all workers: Here’s the breakdown:
| Worker Category | Key Benefits Summary |
|---|---|
| Gig and Platform Workers | Defined legally for first time; aggregator welfare fund contribution; accident compensation; Aadhaar-linked portable benefits. |
| Contractual Workers | Fixed-term employees get equal benefits and gratuity after 1 year; principal employer covers health and social security; free annual health checks. |
| Women Workers | Legal gender discrimination ban; equal pay; night work allowed with consent; maternity benefits (26 weeks leave, crèche, WFH flexibility); medical bonus ₹3,500; expanded family definition. |
| Youth Workers | Guaranteed minimum wage; mandatory appointment letters; wage payment during leave; wages as per central floor wage. |
| MSME Workers | Social security coverage; minimum wage guarantee; access to facilities; standard hours; double overtime wages; timely wage payment. |
| Beedi & Cigar Workers | Minimum wage guaranteed; capped working hours; consent-based double overtime pay; timely wages; bonus eligibility after 30 days/year. |
| Plantation Workers | Coverage under OSHWC and Social Security Codes; safety training; protective equipment; ESI and education benefits for families. |
| Audio-Visual Workers | Full benefits for media/digital workers; mandatory timely wages and appointment letters; double overtime pay with consent. |
| Mines Workers | Accident compensation; worker safety standards; health protections incl. free check-ups; regulated working hours (8–12 hours/day). |
| Hazardous Conditions | Free annual check-ups; national safety standards; gender non-discrimination in hazardous jobs; mandatory safety committees and chemical handling rules. |
| Textile Workers | Equal wages and welfare benefits for all migrant workers; claims up to 3 years; double wages for overtime. |
| IT Sector Workers | Salary release by 7th monthly; equal pay; women night shifts; harassment dispute resolution; fixed-term & social security benefits. |
| Dock Workers | Formal recognition; mandatory appointment letters; PF, pension, insurance benefits; employer-funded health checkups and medical facilities. |
| Export Sector Workers | Gratuity, PF, social security for fixed-term workers; paid annual leave after 180 days; timely wages; night shifts with consent and safety. |
Contractual Workers: Fixed-term employees gain equal benefits and gratuity eligibility after one year; health and social security supported by principal employer.
Women Workers: Legal prohibition of gender discrimination, equal pay, maternity and night-shift work with safety, plus medical bonuses.
Youth Workers: Guaranteed minimum wage, mandatory appointment letters, wage payment during leave, and floor wage enforcement.
MSME Workers: Social security coverage extended, standard work hours, double overtime wages, and timely wage payments ensured.
Beedi & Cigar Workers: Minimum wage assured, capped working hours, consent-based double overtime pay, bonus eligibility, and timely wages.
Plantation Workers: Inclusion under safety and social security codes with mandatory safety training, protective equipment, and family medical/education benefits.
Audio-Visual Workers: Full social security, mandatory appointment letters, timely wages, and consent-based double overtime payments.
Mines Workers: Accident compensation included, standardized safety conditions, health check-ups, and regulated working hours.
Workers in Hazardous Conditions: Annual free health check-ups, national safety standards, gender-inclusive job access, and mandated safety committees.
Textile Workers: Equal wages and welfare for migrant workers, extended claims timeframe, and double wages for overtime.
IT Sector Workers: Mandated timely salary, equal pay, women's night shifts enabled, harassment dispute resolution, and guaranteed social security.
Dock Workers: Formal recognition with appointment letters, provident fund, pension, insurance, and employer-funded health checks.
Export Sector Workers: Fixed-term workers receive gratuity and PF, paid leave after 180 days, timely wages, and consent-based night shifts with safety measures.
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