The Congress party has strongly criticised the Centre after the full implementation of India’s four labour codes, calling them a major setback for workers’ rights since Independence.
New Delhi: The Congress has launched a sharp attack on the Central government following the full operationalisation of the four labour codes, accusing it of weakening worker protections and pushing policies favouring employers.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the reforms mark “the greatest setback for workers’ rights since Independence.”
Also Read
What the new labour codes are
The government has consolidated 29 existing labour laws into four major codes:
- Code on Wages, 2019
- Industrial Relations Code, 2020
- Code on Social Security, 2020
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
These laws aim to simplify India’s labour framework, streamline compliance, and modernise workplace regulations.
Why Congress is opposing them
The Congress argues that the new framework will weaken job security and reduce worker protections. According to Kharge, the changes will promote “hire-and-fire” policies, increase contract employment, and limit the scope of trade union activity.
He also claimed that the government implemented the codes without adequate consultation and has not convened the Indian Labour Conference since 2015.
Concerns raised for workers
Opposition leaders argue that the reforms could impact:
- Job stability due to easier hiring and firing rules
- Growth of contract-based employment in core sectors
- Reduced bargaining power of trade unions
- Greater dependence on employers for social security benefits
Kharge said the changes benefit large corporate interests while leaving workers more vulnerable.
The Centre has maintained that the labour codes are designed to modernise outdated laws and improve ease of doing business. Officials say the reforms ensure minimum wage protections and expand social security coverage, especially for informal and unorganised workers.
The government also argues that the consolidation of laws will reduce complexity and improve compliance across industries.
Implementation status
The labour codes were notified after a long delay and have now been fully operationalised through final rules published in the official gazette. Officials confirmed that the implementation process has now been completed, marking a major overhaul of India’s labour law system.
While the government presents the labour codes as a modern reform aimed at efficiency and broader coverage, opposition parties continue to view them as a major shift away from traditional labour protections, setting the stage for a wider political debate over workers’ rights and economic policy.
Published: 11 May 2026, 11:11 am IST
Related Topics
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.