New rules in the new year, 4 labor codes and everything related to EPFO ​​3.0 that will impact your pocket.

New Labor Code And EPFO ​​Update: After a long wait of five years, the government has accelerated the process of implementing all four labor codes. According to the government, after the issuance of rules related to these codes, they will become fully effective in the year 2026. This will ensure minimum wage and universal social security for workers across the country.

The Labor Ministry has also planned to introduce EPFO ​​3.0 in 2026. Under this, the withdrawal process of Employees’ Provident Fund (PF) will be faster, as well as pension determination under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 and settlement of insurance claims under the Employees’ Deposit Related Insurance Scheme 1976 will also be easier.

Focus on technology based services

Union Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that 2025 has been a transformative year for India’s labor and employment system. All four labor codes have come into force from 21 November 2025, under which 29 old labor laws have been consolidated into a modern and simple framework. He said that in 2026, the government’s focus will be on technology-based services, effective implementation at the grassroots level and enforcement of labor codes. This will increase clarity, equality and predictability at workplaces and India will move rapidly towards a modern, formal and inclusive labor market.

Target to create employment in the new year

The Union Minister said that Pradhan Mantri Vikas Bharat Rojgar Yojana Under this, the target is to create 3.5 crore jobs in the next two years with an outlay of about Rs 1 lakh crore. Due to sustained policy efforts, social security coverage has increased from 19 percent 10 years ago to more than 64 percent now, which has also been recognized internationally. According to the minister, reforms in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) have simplified the withdrawal process and crores of members have got faster access to their funds. At the same time, digital platforms like e-Shram Portal and National Career Service are also providing social security and employment services to workers on a large scale.

Trade unions against labor codes

However, many central trade unions labor codes While opposing it, they have been called anti-labour. On 22 December 2025, the Joint Forum of Central Trade Unions has called for a nationwide strike on 12 February 2026. The unions have warned that they will launch tougher agitation if the government goes ahead with the process of notifying the rules.

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The industry has supported these reforms. Industry representatives associated with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) say that labor codes will promote the welfare of workers as well as ease of doing business and India’s labor system will be future ready.