Labour Code Rollout to Boost Export Competitiveness, Says Official

The implementation of India’s four labour codes will significantly strengthen the export ecosystem by bringing greater flexibility, simplification and predictability to labour regulations—key factors for competing in volatile global markets—according to a senior commerce ministry official.

Speaking on Saturday, the official said the streamlined framework will help export-oriented firms meet international compliance requirements more effectively, while also improving ease of doing business across sectors.

For workers, the official stressed, the codes ensure fair wages, social security, safety, equality and expanded avenues for upskilling, thereby upholding dignity of labour.

The government on Friday notified the long-pending labour codes—pending since 2020—in what is being described as a landmark reform. The new framework introduces timely minimum wages for all categories of workers and extends universal social security to gig and platform workers for the first time. It also permits longer working hours, wider use of fixed-term employment and more employer-friendly retrenchment norms.

Industry bodies have welcomed the move, saying the unified structure will reduce compliance burden, while labour unions have raised concerns about work-hour provisions.