Labour Codes a Landmark Reform, Says CM Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday welcomed the Central government’s notification of new Labour Codes, describing them as one of the most significant reforms since India’s economic liberalisation in 1991.

In a social media post, the CM said the new labour laws aim to modernise India’s workforce framework and align it with global standards. “The reforms strengthen worker security, ensure fair wages, uphold dignity at the workplace, and support the evolving nature of work,” he noted. He added that the codes also extend protections to gig and platform workers and promote greater parity for women.

Labour experts said the consolidation of multiple labour laws into four comprehensive codes could streamline compliance for employers while enhancing benefits for employees. “The new framework is a step toward clarity and uniformity, which is essential for both investors and workers,” said Dr. S. Raghavan, a labour policy analyst based in Hyderabad.

Workers, meanwhile, expressed cautious optimism. “It is reassuring to see protections for gig workers and women, but the real test will be enforcement on the ground,” said Sunita Reddy, a contract worker in the IT sector.

The four Labour Codes cover wages, social security, industrial relations, and occupational safety. Analysts suggest they could attract global companies by providing predictable and transparent employment standards, a key factor for investment in the manufacturing and services sectors.

“With India’s workforce increasingly moving toward informal, contract-based, and gig employment, these reforms are timely. They attempt to bridge long-standing gaps in worker protection and create a more inclusive labour ecosystem,” said labour economist V. K. Menon.

CM Naidu lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiative. “It is a decisive step toward making India a world-class, future-ready economy,” he said. Industry bodies have also welcomed the move, calling it a “game-changer” for improving industrial relations and simplifying compliance.