Press Release

Centre Pushes Tech-Led Labour Reform Rollout; States, Industry Key to Seamless Implementation: Labour Secretary

The Government is working closely with states and industry to ensure a smooth, technology-driven implementation of the new labour codes aimed at reducing compliance burden, improving worker welfare and strengthening India’s global competitiveness, said Vandana Gurnani, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, at ASSOCHAM’s National Seminar on “New Labour Codes: Implementation, Compliance to Competitive Advantage & Industry Readiness” held in New Delhi.

Addressing industry leaders, HR professionals, legal experts and policymakers, Ms. Gurnani said the Centre has undertaken extensive consultations with states to harmonise implementation of the labour codes, while continuing to provide technical guidance for finalisation of rules and compliance frameworks. “The success of the labour codes will depend on strong collaboration between government, industry and workers,” she said.

She noted that the reforms consolidate 29 labour laws into four labour codes, reducing 1,228 sections to 480 sections and streamlining 1,436 rules into 357 rules, significantly simplifying India’s labour compliance ecosystem.

Highlighting the government’s digital-first approach, the Labour Secretary said future inspections under the labour codes would be risk-based, technology-enabled and focused on facilitation rather than intrusive enforcement. “The objective is to minimise unnecessary human interface and encourage voluntary compliance,” she said.

Ms. Gurnani also stressed that workplace safety, timely wage payments and social security compliance must become core governance priorities for industry. She underlined that safe workplaces, welfare facilities and transparent wage systems directly contribute to productivity, workforce confidence and industrial harmony.

Calling labour reforms an opportunity rather than a compliance exercise, she said the new framework would support higher exports, greater formalisation of employment and increased investment flows into India. She added that MSMEs are expected to benefit significantly due to simplified digital compliance systems and reduced procedural complexities.

Speaking at the seminar, Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC) and Chief Executive Officer, Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, India,  said EPFO is rapidly expanding digital service delivery to align with the new labour code ecosystem. He informed that EPFO is introducing API-based return filing systems, automated account transfers and simplified withdrawal mechanisms to improve ease of compliance for employers and workers. “The focus is on ease of access, ease of living and building a seamless digital compliance ecosystem,” he said.

Mr. Krishnamurthi added that inspections under the social security framework would increasingly rely on data analytics and web-based systems to identify high-risk non-compliance cases, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.

The seminar featured multiple thematic discussions on labour code implementation across sectors. Sessions focused on labour reforms in the textiles sector, wage structures and universal social security, industrial relations, occupational safety, grievance redressal mechanisms and HR technology preparedness.

Industry leaders and legal experts also deliberated on the impact of the Wage Code on compensation structures, compliance strategies for gig and contract workers, workplace safety standards and the role of technology in labour code readiness.

The seminar was attended by senior industry representatives from sectors including textiles, manufacturing, infrastructure and technology, alongside labour law experts and HR leaders, reflecting growing industry focus on implementation readiness under India’s new labour regime.