New Delhi, May 11: The Indian National Congress on Monday strongly criticised the Central Government after the full implementation of the four labour codes, describing the reforms as a major setback for workers’ rights in independent India.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Narendra Modi-led government of introducing the labour reforms without adequate consultation with trade unions and worker organisations. He alleged that the Centre deliberately waited until the completion of assembly elections before issuing the final gazette notifications for the labour codes on May 8 and 9.
In a statement, Kharge claimed the new framework would increase contractual employment, encourage “hire-and-fire” practices, and weaken labour union participation across industries.
The Congress leader further alleged that the government had not convened the Indian Labour Conference since 2015 and accused the Centre of framing policies that primarily favour large industrial groups rather than workers.
Kharge said the Congress party remained committed to protecting labour rights through its proposed “Shramik Nyay” agenda. He highlighted measures including expansion of MGNREGA to urban areas, a national minimum wage of Rs 400 per day, universal healthcare coverage, comprehensive social security for unorganised workers, and restrictions on contractual employment in core government sectors.
The Centre, however, defended the implementation of the labour codes, stating that the reforms were aimed at modernising India’s labour system and simplifying compliance procedures for both employers and workers.
Government officials confirmed that the final rules under all four labour codes have now been officially notified, completing the process of implementation that began after Parliament passed the laws between 2019 and 2020.
The four labour codes include the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Code on Social Security, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. These laws officially came into effect on November 21, 2025.
According to officials, the reforms consolidate 29 existing labour laws into a unified legal framework intended to improve ease of doing business, ensure minimum wage protections, and expand social security coverage for workers across organised and unorganised sectors.
Supporters of the reforms argue that the new labour structure will reduce regulatory complexity and encourage investment and job creation. Critics, however, fear the changes could dilute employee protections and weaken collective bargaining mechanisms.
Labour unions and opposition parties are expected to continue raising concerns over the implementation of the codes, making labour rights and employment security a major political issue in the coming months.