The Ministry of Labour and Employment, working with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Co., held a district-level training and awareness programme on India’s new Labour Codes at Okhla Industrial Estate in New Delhi. The Shram Samvad initiative was designed to help employers, business leaders, HR professionals and other stakeholders understand what the Labour Codes require of them and what new government schemes they make available.
Key facts
- Held at Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi
- Attended by more than 100 participants from various industries
- Labour Codes came into force on 21 November 2025
- Central Rules under the codes were notified on 8 May 2026
- Sessions covered compliance obligations, Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) and Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Scheme
- Led by Dr P K Jena, Director, Ministry of Labour and Employment, and other senior government officials
What the Labour Codes require
India introduced a set of four Labour Codes in 2020 to replace multiple older labour laws. These codes deal with wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety and health. After coming into force in November 2025, the government released detailed rules in May 2026 to explain how employers must follow them. The training programme helped businesses understand their legal obligations under this new system.
A Labour Enforcement Officer from the Ministry presented the key compliance requirements that employers must meet. This covered what records they must keep, what they must report to the government, and what they owe to their workers in terms of wages, leaves, benefits and safe working conditions. Participants learned the practical, day-to-day steps they need to take to stay within the law.
Government employment and pension schemes covered
The training also introduced two government schemes that employers and workers should know about. The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) is a new employment generation scheme that offers support to employers who hire workers. A senior official from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) explained the scheme’s goals, who can apply, and what benefits are available.
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Scheme extends pension and social security protection to workers in the informal economy who do not have regular jobs or employers. An official from the Ministry outlined how the scheme works and who qualifies for benefits.
Who attended and what happened
The programme brought together employers, industry association representatives, human resources professionals, lawyers, accountants and other people involved in hiring and managing workers. Four technical sessions covered different topics, followed by a question and answer period where participants could ask speakers for clarification on specific issues they faced.
The inaugural session was opened by Dr P K Jena from the Ministry and Ms Pallavi Shroff, a partner at the law firm, who explained the bigger picture of why these Labour Codes matter and what they aim to achieve for workers and businesses alike. This helped participants understand that the new laws are part of a broader reform effort.
What this means for you
If you are a business owner or work in human resources, understanding the new Labour Codes is now essential to avoid penalties and legal trouble. This training shows that the government is making information available to help you comply. You may want to seek similar programmes in your own district or consult a labour law specialist to ensure your business follows the rules.
If you are a worker or job seeker, these codes offer better protection in terms of wages, working hours, safety and benefits. The pension schemes mentioned mean that even if you work informally, you can now access government support for retirement security.
The Shram Samvad initiative signals that the government intends to support employers and workers in understanding and implementing the Labour Codes rather than simply enforcing them through penalties.