Bhubaneswar: Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment Vandana Gurnani has described the implementation of the new Labour Codes as a landmark reform intended to modernize India’s regulatory landscape.
Speaking at a regional conference in Bhubaneswar on February 17, 2026, she emphasized that consolidating 29 central laws into four streamlined codes—covering wages, social security, industrial relations, and occupational safety—is essential for aligning with global economic shifts.
Shri Ganesh Ram SinghKhuntia, Minister, Labour and Employees’ State Insurance, inaugurated a two-day Regional Level Conference of Labour & Employment and Industry Secretaries of States/UTs.
The reforms are designed to balance worker welfare with a more efficient business environment. Key provisions include the universalization of minimum wages, the introduction of a national floor wage, and mandatory appointment letters to ensure transparency for all employees. To support the transition, the Ministry has introduced IT-enabled systems for single registration and licensing, aimed at reducing the administrative burden on employers while ensuring better compliance.
During the session, Smt.Gurnani lauded the progress of the Business Reforms Action Plan in Odisha, noting that the state’s initiatives serve as a positive example for others. She urged all States and Union Territories to fast-track the finalization of their respective rules and utilize tools like the PMVBRY dashboard to track employment generation.
The V.V. Giri National Labour Institute is currently spearheading capacity-building programs to train master trainers who will lead implementation at the state level. The central government has called on states to act as model employers by ensuring timely wage payments and social security for both direct and contract employees, further strengthening the social safety net as the codes move toward full operationalization by April 2026.