An independent perception-based study conducted by the V. V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI), Noida, has found widespread acceptance and growing trust among both workers and employers in the implementation of India’s Labour Codes.
The study, titled “The Implementation of Labour Codes: A Perception-based Analysis,” indicates a strong convergence of views across key stakeholders, positioning the Labour Codes as a credible reform framework that balances labour protection with economic efficiency, institutional logic, and stakeholder acceptance. According to the findings, both workers and employers believe the Labour Codes contribute to improved ease of living and ease of doing business, stronger social security coverage, modernised labour relations, and simpler compliance mechanisms.
The assessment focused on the initial phase of implementation, noting that the Labour Codes represent a structural reform whose full impact will unfold progressively over time. Workers’ perceptions were captured through one-on-one interviews and focused group discussions, while employers’ views were gathered from chambers of commerce, employer federations, and industry associations representing large corporations, MSMEs, and small enterprises.
Among workers, the study reflects a broadly positive outlook on the transformative potential of the Labour Codes. Around 60% of workers expect overall working conditions to improve, while 63% anticipate better regulation of working hours and 60% foresee enhanced rest periods and leave practices. Nearly two-thirds believe that safety, transport, and monitoring requirements will improve protection for women workers, and about 64% expect improved income security through greater wage transparency and timely payments. On social security, a majority welcomed initiatives such as e-Shram and Welfare Boards, citing easier access and improved portability for contract, migrant, and gig workers.
Employers, meanwhile, expressed strong support for the Labour Codes, particularly for regulatory simplification and operational efficiency. The survey shows that workforce flexibility is a key priority, with a large majority viewing it as essential for business sustainability. Employers also supported fixed-term employment, digital compliance tools, uniform implementation across states, and a facilitative enforcement approach. Many respondents believe the reforms will lead to long-term simplification of compliance requirements and expanded social security coverage for workers.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment said the findings validate the consultative and progressive design of the Labour Codes, which were enacted during 2019–2020 and notified nationwide on November 21, 2025. Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya said the survey underscores the objective of the Labour Codes to promote social security for all, decent work, formalisation, and inclusive and sustainable growth in India’s labour market.
The government said it remains committed to strengthening implementation through capacity building and awareness initiatives. It also indicated that, as the Labour Codes are rolled out across all states and Union Territories, detailed state-level impact studies may be undertaken in a phased manner to support evidence-based policy review and ensure inclusive and sustainable outcomes.