Labour Codes 2025: Key provisions for mining, hazardous industries, textile sector including migrant workers

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The Narendra Modi-led central government notified the four Labour Codes on Friday, pending since 2020. The move has been described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “one of the most comprehensive and progressive labour-oriented reforms since Independence.”

The four Codes -- the Code of Wages (2019, Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020) and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020), were passed by Parliament five years back -- to replace 29 fragmented laws with a unified and modern framework. It is reported that rules that will bring them into force with immediate effect will be issued shortly.

While the Codes overhaul 29 separate laws into a single structure, their provisions carry specific implications for mine workers, employees in hazardous environments, and textile-sector labourers, including migrants.

Mine workers

For mine workers and those employed in risky work settings, the Codes underline that “worker safety will be paramount.” The Social Security Code now recognises certain commuting accidents as employment-related when linked to the time and place of work, qualifying the affected worker’s family for accident compensation. Standards for occupational safety and health have been formally issued by the Centre to bring uniformity across sites, and a free annual health check-up has been mandated for all workers above the age of 40. Daily work hours may run anywhere between 8 and 12 hours within a 48-hour weekly ceiling, according to the new code.

Hazardous industry workers

For employees in hazardous sectors, the Codes promote a preventive health culture, again anchored by free yearly medical checks. The Central Government will set national benchmarks for safety, while on-site safety committees must be constituted to monitor compliance and ensure proper handling of dangerous chemicals. Gender barriers have been removed: women are permitted to work across all categories of employment, including underground mining and heavy machinery roles, with the Codes framing this provision as a prohibition on discrimination and a move to widen job opportunities.

Textile workers including migrants

Textile workers -- particularly migrants, whether directly hired, working through contractors, or self-migrated -- receive a separate emphasis. They are assured equal wages, welfare measures, and access to Public Distribution System (PDS) portability. The claims window has also widened, with workers allowed to raise disputes for up to three years to resolve pending payments. In addition, textile workers are eligible for double wages when performing overtime.