<h1>New Labour Codes unify 29 laws, expand social security, but ease retrenchment approvals and raise work-hour limits</h1> India has implemented four comprehensive Labour Codes consolidating 29 laws to create a unified framework on wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety. The reforms mandate statutory minimum wages, timely payment, appointment letters, expanded social security (including for gig, platform, migrant and fixed-term workers), and wider ESIC coverage, alongside health check-ups and enhanced protections for women workers. Simultaneously, they raise thresholds for prior government approval of retrenchment and closure to establishments with 300 workers, and permit longer work hours, prompting union concerns over job security and exclusions of informal workers in small units. Both central and state governments must now frame implementing rules.