India brings in simplified labor code to modernize outdated laws.
India, with the world’s second-largest workforce, is undergoing its biggest labor transformation in decades. The government has condensed dozens of laws into four simplified codes.
He says the repairs will attract investment. This will become important after US President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariff on Indian goods.
Reforms include minimum wage, equal pay and expanded social security. But unions say the code will only strengthen employers’ control and accuse the government of being a “cheat”.
So, will the changes improve India’s global competitiveness by streamlining the rules? Or could they create new risks to workers and productivity?
Presenter: Adrian Finnigan
Guest:
Harshil Sharma – Labor economist specializing in reforms and welfare
Surbhi Kesar – Senior Lecturer in Economics at SOAS University of London
Sudeep Dutta – National Secretary, Center of Indian Trade Unions
Published on December 3, 2025