New Labour Codes Promise Stronger Maternity Benefits, Equal Pay and Safer Work Conditions for Women, Says Government
The Indian government on Thursday announced that the recently implemented labour codes mark a significant step toward empowering women in the workforce. The new framework aims to strengthen maternity protection, ensure equal pay, offer flexible work arrangements and expand opportunities for women across all sectors, including areas traditionally considered unsafe or restrictive.
The rollout of four consolidated labour codes earlier this month represents one of the biggest overhauls of India’s labour regulation system in decades. The government stated that these reforms modernise existing labour laws and move the country closer to creating a gender-balanced and inclusive workforce.
Major Labour Reforms Come Into Effect
The four consolidated laws — the Code on Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020) and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020) — aim to simplify and strengthen India’s labour ecosystem.
Together, they replace several outdated laws and bring modern, inclusive standards to the workplace. All four codes contain provisions designed specifically to address long-standing challenges faced by women workers.
According to the government, the Codes “provide women with equality, maternity benefits, workplace safety and representation in decision-making bodies,” ensuring that women not only gain legal protection but also access opportunities across industries.
Ensuring Fair Representation and Voice in Workplace Matters
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 mandates that women must have adequate representation in Grievance Redressal Committees. The number of women representatives cannot be lower than their proportion in the establishment’s workforce.
This ensures women have a stronger role in workplace dispute resolution. Their participation brings sensitivity, diversity of perspectives and more balanced outcomes to grievance handling. The government highlighted this as a key step toward inclusive decision-making within organisations.
Strengthened Maternity Benefits and Social Security Support
The Code on Social Security, 2020 provides major maternity-related protections. Women employees who have worked for at least 80 days in the 12 months before their expected delivery are now eligible for 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, with equal wages paid during the leave period.
This code also extends coverage to mothers who adopt a child below three months of age, as well as commissioning mothers (biological mothers using surrogacy), who are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity benefits. These provisions aim to create a more supportive environment for working women with young children.
The reforms additionally require employers to offer:
- Work-from-home options when possible
- Nursing breaks for breastfeeding mothers
- Creche facilities for childcare support
These measures promote work-life balance and help women continue their careers without compromising their family responsibilities.
Opening All Sectors and Night Shifts to Women Workers
One of the most significant reforms is the removal of restrictions on women working in certain industries or time zones. Under the new labour codes, women can work in any establishment and undertake any type of work, including night shifts.
Women may work before 6 a.m. and after 7 p.m. with their consent, provided employers ensure adequate lighting, safety arrangements, transportation and other necessary facilities.
The government said this move aims to expand opportunities for women in manufacturing, logistics, technology, services and other high-growth sectors that operate round-the-clock.
Equal Pay and Non-Discrimination Mandated Under Code on Wages
The Code on Wages, 2019 clearly prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in recruitment, wages and working conditions. This means employers must offer equal pay for equal work and cannot differentiate roles or responsibilities based on gender.
The government said this mandate is crucial for correcting wage disparities and promoting fairness across the workforce.
Empowering Women for a Modern Workforce
In its official statement, the government described women as a “vital and growing segment of India’s workforce,” emphasising that the new labour codes are designed to create safer, more inclusive and more enabling work environments.
By modernising labour laws and easing strict limitations on work practices, the codes are expected to:
- Increase women’s participation in the workforce
- Strengthen legal protections
- Support career growth for women
- Encourage employers to adopt safer, more family-friendly practices
The reforms also strengthen compliance and enforcement mechanisms, ensuring that organisations implement the new standards effectively.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The introduction of India’s new labour codes marks an important moment for women in the workforce, bringing long-overdue reforms that address equality, safety, maternity support and representation. By allowing women to work across all sectors and shifts, ensuring equal pay, and offering extended maternity benefits, the government aims to expand opportunities while protecting their rights. These measures are expected to increase female labour participation and create a more balanced and resilient workforce. As industries adapt to the new framework, the effectiveness of these reforms will depend on strict enforcement and employer commitment to fostering truly inclusive workplaces.