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Maharashtra publishes draft rules for new labour codes, invites objections
Maharashtra government published its draft rules under four central labour codes, dated April 28, inviting objections within 45 days. The codes consolidate 29 laws and include provisions on wages, social security, safety, and gender equality; unions oppose the changes, citing higher thresholds and fixed-term employment. Government officials say the rules aim to ease doing business and bring discipline to the industrial environment.
Why It Matters
This marks a key step in implementing central labour reforms at the state level. The outcome could affect millions of workers and industries, depending on objections and final changes.
Timeline
3 Events
Unions oppose draft rules; cite higher thresholds and other concerns
May 10, 2026
Labour unions criticised the draft rules, pointing to increased thresholds for applicability that would exclude many companies, and opposed fixed-term employment. They also opposed the 14-day notice to declare a strike. The article quotes Gangaram Gawde, director of the Ambekar Institute of Labour Studies, who described the codes as anti-labour, and government officials who argued the reforms would ease doing business and create an industry-friendly atmosphere. Labour Minister Akash Phundkar commented that the draft rules would bring more discipline and protect workers’ safety, health and wages.
Draft rules for four codes published; invites objections
April 28, 2026
Maharashtra government published draft rules under four codes — Industrial Relations Code, 2020; Code on Wages, 2019; Code on Social Security 2020; and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. The draft rules are dated April 28 and invite objections and suggestions from stakeholders within a 45-day period. If not challenged during this period, the state will notify the labour codes for Maharashtra.
Central government announces new labour codes consolidating 29 laws
November 2025
In November 2025 the central government announced new labour codes consolidating 29 laws into a contemporary framework. The codes include measures such as minimum wages, social security for all workers, compulsory appointment letters, free annual medical check-ups, formal grievance redressal, equal opportunities for women, and enhancements to worker safety. They also remove blanket restrictions on women working night shifts and provide for creche facilities, work-from-home options after maternity leave, and equal wages across genders.