Andhra Pradesh Discusses New Labour Codes to Boost Jobs and Worker Rights by April 2026

Andhra Pradesh is holding meetings about new labour laws that will start in April 2026. The government says these laws will protect workers better and create more jobs.
By Newsroom | Labour Laws, Andhra Pradesh |

Recent legislative changes in India's labor sector, specifically the introduction of four new Labour Codes, have prompted a notable period of stakeholder consultation. In Andhra Pradesh, the State government has actively engaged with various groups to explain and gather feedback on these reforms, aiming to strike a balance between worker protection and economic growth.

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Context of Labour Code Reforms

The Government of India has consolidated 29 existing labor laws into four new comprehensive Labour Codes. These codes are:

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  • The Code on Wages, 2019

  • The Code on Social Security, 2020

  • The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

  • The Industrial Relations Code, 2020

The Central government issued draft rules for these codes on December 30, 2025, for public feedback. The implementation of these codes was targeted for April 1, 2026.

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Andhra Pradesh's Engagement with Labour Codes

Andhra Pradesh has been a focal point for discussions surrounding these new labor laws.

Reassurance Amidst Anxiety

  • On November 28, 2025, Andhra Pradesh Labour Minister Vasamsetti Subhash addressed concerns that the new codes might dilute worker rights. He stated that the transition would strengthen rights, broaden social security, and improve workplace safety.

  • The State government organized a Labour Codes Awareness Conference to convey this message and to highlight Andhra Pradesh's aim to become a model state for labor welfare.

  • Concerns were raised by workers that the new system might jeopardize existing protections and benefits, potentially shifting the balance towards employers. The State government aimed to dispel these fears, emphasizing that traditionally overlooked groups like digital media workers and dubbing artists are now covered.

Cooperative Federalism and State Initiatives

  • Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, has emphasized cooperative federalism, acknowledging that labor is largely a state subject.

  • She stated that the new codes are designed to safeguard workers' interests, increase employment, and foster an industry-friendly environment.

  • Andhra Pradesh's Labour Minister, Vasamsetti Subhash, highlighted state-level actions, including expanding ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) healthcare facilities, enhancing digital services, and conducting workplace medical camps to improve worker health and transparency.

  • Measures are also being taken to boost women's participation in the workforce, ensure their safety, and guarantee equal pay.

Industry and Government Perspectives

  • Industry bodies like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have welcomed the draft rules, with Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII, stating they are a "key step in operationalising India's labour reforms." He suggested the rules would help industry prepare, simplify compliance, and support sustainable growth.

  • Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu hailed the reforms as a significant step towards a "world-class, future-ready economy," comparing their importance to the 1991 economic liberalisation. He stated the codes would bring India closer to global labor benchmarks, reduce compliance burdens, and support enterprise growth.

  • A survey by the Labour Ministry reportedly indicated that stakeholders view the new codes as balancing worker protection and economic efficiency.

Key Provisions Under Discussion

The draft rules touch upon several key areas:

  • Grievance Redressal Committees: As per the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2025, every industrial establishment with 20 or more workers must form a grievance redressal committee. These committees, not exceeding 10 members, should have equal representation from employers and workers to address individual employee grievances.

  • Working Hours and Wages: The Code on Wages (Central) Rules, 2025, addresses working hours. The exact number of hours constituting a normal working day, including intervals, will be determined by general or special orders. Daily working hours, intervals, and spread-over periods are subject to separate notification. The new laws also aim to ensure equal pay for equal work for women and mandate wage payments within a week of work completion.

Expert Analysis

"The consolidation of 29 colonial-era labour laws into four comprehensive Labour Codes is a historic reform."— Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment.

"This is a decisive step toward making India a world-class, future-ready economy."— N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

"The release of the draft rules under the four Labour Codes marks a key step in operationalising India's labour reforms."— Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII.

Conclusion and Implications

The introduction of the four Labour Codes signifies a substantial shift in India's labor landscape. The process has involved extensive consultation, with the central government seeking feedback on draft rules and state governments, like Andhra Pradesh, actively engaging with stakeholders. While the government and industry bodies express optimism about the codes fostering economic growth and simplifying compliance, worker anxieties regarding potential dilution of rights persist. The effective implementation of these codes will depend on addressing these varied concerns and ensuring a transparent and equitable application of the new regulations. The Andhra Pradesh government's proactive engagement suggests an effort to position the state as a leader in labor welfare within this new framework.

Read More: Amaravati Approves Rs 24,276 Crore for New Roads and Buildings by December 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the new labour codes being discussed in Andhra Pradesh?
India is combining 29 old labour laws into four new codes: The Code on Wages, The Code on Social Security, The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, and The Industrial Relations Code. These are planned to start by April 1, 2026.
Q: Why is the Andhra Pradesh government talking to people about these new laws?
The government wants to explain the new labour laws and get feedback from workers and businesses. They aim to make sure the laws protect workers, improve safety, and help the economy grow.
Q: Are workers worried about the new labour codes?
Some workers are worried that the new laws might reduce their current rights and benefits. However, the Andhra Pradesh Labour Minister has said the new codes will actually strengthen rights and improve social security for all workers, including new groups like digital media workers.
Q: What are some key changes in the new labour codes?
The new codes require companies with 20 or more workers to have committees to solve worker problems. They also cover working hours and wages, aiming for equal pay for equal work for women and faster wage payments.
Q: When will these new labour codes start?
The central government released draft rules for the new labour codes on December 30, 2025, and the plan is to implement them starting April 1, 2026.