Labour rules revamped! From gratuity to equal wages, what all do new codes cover and who’ll benefit? All you need to know

The central government has notified a wide set of labour reforms under India’s four Labour Codes, bringing changes for fixed-term employees, women, gig workers, MSME staff and contract workers. The notification was issued on Friday. The four codes—Code on Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020) and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020)—replace 29 existing labour laws. Here are some of the main benefits covered in the reforms: As per ET, Fixed-Term Employees (FTEs) will now receive benefits equal to permanent workers, including leave, medical cover and social security. Their gratuity eligibility has been brought down from five years to one. Contract workers will also receive health and social security benefit