Recent Labour Law Reforms in India and Alignment with International Labour Standards

This research examines the alignment of India's recent labor law reforms—encompassing the Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Code on Social Security, and Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code—with international labor standards set by the International Labour Organization. While these reforms aim to simplify legislation and enhance worker welfare, their compatibility with ILO conventions remains a subject of critical scrutiny. The analysis reveals a mixed alignment: the Code on Wages and Code on Social Security show broad intent towards international norms, yet face challenges in implementation and adequacy. Conversely, the Industrial Relations Code and the OSH Code exhibit partial alignment, particularly due to restrictions on fundamental rights like freedom of association and collective bargaining and weak enforcement mechanisms. India's non-ratification of several core ILO conventions further highlights potential divergences. This study identifies critical gaps and underscores the need for enhanced convergence between India's legislative framework and global labor principles to ensure decent work and robust worker protection.