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The governments of Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan have re-published draft rules under labour codes. A period of 45 days has been provided for inviting objections and suggestions from all relevant stakeholders. As states advance towards operationalising the Labour Codes through re-publishing the draft SS, COW, OSHWC and IR Rules, employers should proactively review and realign HR, payroll, and compliance practices with the forthcoming regulatory framework. Early focus should be on updating standing orders, strengthening compliance mechanisms, and preparing for enhanced obligations, including issuing appointment letters, conducting medical examinations, and maintaining digital records.
The President has given assent to the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Act, 2026, formally specifying the repeal of three erstwhile central labour legislations subsumed under the IR Code, 2020. With the repeal of erstwhile labour laws, industrial relations matters are now governed only by the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. Employers, trade unions, and relevant stakeholders must strictly align their processes with the code.
The Draft Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Metalliferous Mines) Regulations, 2026, represent a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory framework governing safety, health, and working conditions in metalliferous mines in India. Mine owners and operators should begin mapping existing safety practices against the proposed requirements, particularly regarding safety management plans, certification of key personnel, and environmental and ventilation controls.
The Delhi Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2026, amends the Act’s applicability to establishments with a higher employee threshold and revises the existing framework on daily and weekly working hours, overtime limits, rest intervals, and the spread of work. It modernises Delhi’s labour law framework by enabling safer night-shift opportunities for women and relaxing regulatory requirements for small businesses.
The Haryana Code on Social Security (Career Centre) Rules, 2026, have been issued to operationalise Chapter XIII of the Code on Social Security, 2020, establishing a formal framework for the collection, reporting, and monitoring of employment‑related information in the state of Haryana. The rules modernise the employment exchange system by replacing it with a digitised career center, supported by designated online portals and structured reporting obligations.
The Madhya Pradesh Shram Kalyan Nidhi (Amendment) Act, 2026, introduces targeted amends to the Madhya Pradesh Shram Kalyan Nidhi Adhiniyam, 1982, with the objective of strengthening the state’s labour welfare funding framework. The amendment increases employers' and employees' statutory contribution obligations. Payroll systems should be updated to reflect revised rates, and employers should budget for the enhanced contribution limits.
The Himachal Pradesh Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2025, has been notified, introducing significant changes to the Himachal Pradesh Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1969, primarily impacting thresholds relating to overtime limits and the applicability of statutory obligations. By limiting certain obligations to establishments with 10 or more employees, the change eases regulatory pressure on smaller businesses.
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has issued directions to ensure effective implementation of the POSH Act, 2013, across the state after observing persistent gaps in compliance. The move signals stronger accountability in ensuring workplace safety and legally compliant redressal mechanisms for women.
The Karnataka Tax on Profession, Trades, Callings and Employments (Amendment) Act, 2026, introduces targeted procedural reforms to reduce compliance burden under the profession tax framework, effective as of 1 April 2026. The amendment removes the need to file returns where profession tax has already been paid.
The government of Kerala has notified amendments to the Migrant Workers Welfare Scheme, 2010, to strengthen welfare protection for inter-state migrant workers employed in the state. The changes are intended to improve coverage, fund sustainability, and ease of access for migrant workers.
The Central Board of Trustees (CBT), at its 239th meeting held on 2 March 2026, recommended several significant reforms directly benefiting crores of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) subscribers. These decisions - ranging from interest rate announcements to improved service delivery and liquidation of inoperative accounts - strengthen the EPFO’s commitment to member-centric governance. As the EFPO continues transitioning toward integrated digital governance, contributors can expect faster settlements, cleaner records, and stronger compliance protections in the coming years.
The EPFO, through a circular dated 5 March 2026, has issued directions to all zonal and regional offices to utilise the upcoming Nidhi Aapke Nikat (NAN 2.0) programme scheduled on 27 March 2026, as a focused platform to resolve pending litigations before various consumer disputes redressal fora. Across the country, around 3,219 cases are pending before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Fora (DCDRF) and the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (SCDRC). To streamline efforts and reduce avoidable litigation, the EPFO has directed all offices to treat NAN 2.0 as a special opportunity to address and settle such cases in a structured, time-bound manner.
The EPFO, through a circular dated 18 March 2026, has permitted the remittance of PF accumulations, pension withdrawals, and EDLI benefits directly to the foreign bank accounts of international workers (IWs) settling abroad who do not hold an operative bank account in India. This direction addresses long‑pending operational bottlenecks faced by IWs attempting to close PF accounts after returning to their home country. The circular provides a structured process for using the State Bank of India (SBI)–SWIFT for foreign outward remittances and specifies dedicated EPFO bank accounts for processing such payments.
Labour Law Insights January 2026 provides a comprehensive roundup of recent labour law developments, EPFO and ESI notifications, state-specific rule changes, compliance guidance and strategic implications for employers and HR leaders.
Labour Codes progress, state law updates, EPFO and ESI changes shaping employer compliance.
The four Labour Codes were announced in November replacing the earlier 29 Labour laws. This is a historical announcement and set to change the Labour Law reforms. We have shared the details and analysis of these path-breaking Labour codes in our November 2025 edition of Labour Law Insights. The edition also covers our regular labour law releases in various states, EPFO updates, and important judgements.
