The Ministry of Labour & Employment organised a district-level capacity building programme called Shram Samvad in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, to help employers and industry leaders understand their obligations under India’s new Labour Codes. The initiative brought together government officials, business representatives, and labour stakeholders to discuss the practical implementation of labour laws that took effect on 21 November 2025.
Key facts
- Programme held at Rudrapur, Uttarakhand on 6 October 2026
- Organised by Ministry of Labour & Employment with Uttarakhand Labour Department, Kumaun Garhwal Chamber of Commerce, and industry associations
- Attended by approximately 250 participants including employers, HR professionals, legal experts and finance specialists
- Labour Codes came into force on 21 November 2025; Central Rules notified on 8 May 2026
- Presided over by Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment
- Four technical sessions held covering Labour Codes overview, employer compliance requirements, and central schemes
What are the Labour Codes
India replaced 44 separate labour laws with four new Labour Codes that consolidate rules on wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety. These codes apply to all employers and workers across industries. The new framework aims to simplify compliance for businesses while strengthening worker protections. The Shram Samvad programme focused on helping employers understand their duties under this changed regulatory landscape.
Key compliance areas covered
The technical sessions addressed specific employer obligations arising from the Labour Codes. Topics included wage payment requirements, working hours and leave entitlements, maintenance of registers and records, social security deductions, and safety standards. Officials from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation also explained mandatory contributions and entitlements available to workers under their respective schemes.
Government schemes promoted
The programme highlighted two central schemes relevant to employers and workers. The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) encourages job creation, while Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM) provides social security coverage for unorganised workers. Session participants received details on how businesses can align their hiring and employment practices with these government initiatives.
Implementation challenges addressed
The interactive question-and-answer session allowed employers and industry representatives to raise practical concerns about complying with the new codes. Officials from the Ministry of Labour & Employment and Uttarakhand government responded to queries on interpreting specific provisions, transitional arrangements, and enforcement timelines. This dialogue helped clarify ambiguities and address sector-specific implementation challenges that businesses face on the ground.
Why this matters for employers and workers
For employers, understanding the Labour Codes correctly reduces the risk of penalties and disputes. The training helps businesses set up compliant systems for wages, records and social security. For workers, awareness of their entitlements under the codes and government schemes enables them to claim benefits they are due. For labour department officials, these programmes ensure consistent interpretation and implementation across states.
What this means for you
If you run a business or manage human resources in Uttarakhand or similar industrial areas, the Shram Samvad programme highlights the need to audit your current employment practices against the new Labour Codes. If you are a worker, knowing your rights under these codes—such as minimum wages, leave, working hours, and social security—helps you protect your interests. Government and industry collaboration through such programmes aims to make the transition to the new legal framework smoother for all parties.