--- title: "The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026 as part of the phased operationalisation of the Labour Codes" date: 2026-06-26 author: "King Stubb & Kasiva" url: https://ksandk.com/newsletter/labour-codes-central-rules-2026/ --- # The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026 as part of the phased operationalisation of the Labour Codes Posted On - 26 June, 2026 • By - King Stubb & Kasiva On 8 May 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the Central Rules under all four labour codes, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Code on Wages, 2019; the Code on Social Security, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. These rules consolidate and supersede dozens of legacy central rules, introduce digital compliance mechanisms, and operationalise the modern regulatory framework envisaged by the labour codes. ## Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026 The Ministry of Labour and Employment, vide **Notification G.S.R. 342(E)** dated 8 May 2026, has notified the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026, framed under Section 99 of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (“IR Code”). The Rules operationalise key provisions of the IR Code by introducing a modern regulatory framework for industrial relations, streamlining dispute resolution mechanisms, enabling digital compliance, and superseding the *Industrial Disputes (Central) Rules, 1957* and the *Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Central Rules, 1946*. ### Key Features Among the key features of the Rules are the following: - Notification of separate **Model Standing Orders (“MSOs”)** for industrial establishments in the mining, manufacturing, and service sectors. - Requirement for every industrial establishment employing **twenty or more workers** to constitute one or more **Grievance Redressal Committees (“GRCs”)**. - Detailed procedures governing **conciliation proceedings**, the functioning of Industrial Tribunals and National Industrial Tribunals, and the filing and adjudication of industrial disputes. ## Code on Wages (Central) Rules, 2026 The Ministry of Labour and Employment, vide **Notification G.S.R. 343(E)** dated 8 May 2026, has notified the Code on Wages (Central) Rules, 2026, framed under the Code on Wages, 2019. The Rules repeal and replace **17 existing central rules** framed under various labour legislations, thereby consolidating the regulatory framework governing wages under a single code. Among the rules superseded are: - *Minimum Wages (Central) Rules, 1950* - *Payment of Bonus Rules, 1975* - *Equal Remuneration Rules, 1976* ### Wage Calculation Methodology The Rules prescribe the **methodology** for calculating hourly and monthly wage rates based on the notified daily wage. - The **hourly wage rate** is determined by dividing the daily wage by eight hours. - The **monthly wage rate** is calculated by multiplying the daily wage by twenty-six. - Where an employee works beyond the prescribed normal working hours, **overtime wages** are payable at twice the ordinary rate of wages, in accordance with the Code. ### Digital Compliance The Rules also facilitate **digital compliance** by enabling employers to utilise online single-window portals for registration, maintenance of statutory registers, and filing of electronic returns, thereby streamlining compliance processes under the Code. ## Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 The **Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026** have been notified by the Ministry of Labour and Employment under the Code on Social Security, 2020, following the publication of the draft Rules on 30 December 2025 for public consultation. The Rules were notified on 8 May 2026. The Rules consolidate the regulatory framework governing social security and supersede **11 existing central rules** framed under various labour legislations. ### Superseded Rules Among the rules superseded are: - *Employees’ Compensation Rules, 1924* - *Employees’ Compensation (Transfer of Money) Rules, 1935* - *Employment Exchanges (Compulsory Notification of Vacancies) Rules, 1960* - *Maternity Benefit (Mines and Circus) Rules, 1963* - *Cine Workers Welfare Fund Rules, 1984* ### Unified Framework for Social Security Benefits The Rules establish a **unified framework** for the administration of various social security benefits under the Code, including provisions relating to: - Gratuity - Maternity benefits - Employees’ compensation - Provident fund - Employee state insurance - Social security for **gig and platform workers** The consolidated framework is also intended to facilitate digital compliance through common online portals for registrations, claims, and statutory filings. By consolidating multiple legacy rules under a single framework, the Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 are expected to **simplify compliance processes** for employers while supporting the phased implementation of the Code on Social Security, 2020. ## Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Rules, 2026 The Ministry of Labour and Employment, vide **Notification G.S.R. 345(E)** dated 8 May 2026, has notified the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026, framed under Sections 133 and 134 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (“OSH Code”). The Rules consolidate and rationalise multiple existing labour rules into a **unified framework** governing occupational safety, health, and working conditions, while facilitating streamlined compliance under the OSH Code. ### Superseded Rules The Rules supersede **15 existing central rules** framed under various labour legislations, including: - *Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Rules* - *Mines Rules, 1955* - *Mines Vocational Training Rules, 1966* - *Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Central Rules, 1971* - *Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Central Rules, 1980* ### Key Measures for Workplace Safety and Welfare The Rules introduce several measures aimed at strengthening workplace safety and welfare, including: - Mandatory **annual health check-ups** for specified categories of workers. - **Online registration** of establishments and digital maintenance of statutory records. - Provisions relating to **inter-State migrant workers**, including journey allowances and maintenance of a national database. - Detailed requirements relating to **working hours, overtime, and welfare facilities**. - Constitution of **Safety Committees** in applicable establishments. By consolidating multiple sector-specific rules under a single regulatory framework, the Rules seek to **simplify compliance** while strengthening occupational safety, health, and welfare standards across covered establishments. *Last Updated on 26 June, 2026* --- ## Office Locations - [New Delhi](https://ksandk.com/locations/top-corporate-law-firm-in-delhi/) (HQ): +91-11-41318190 | info@ksandk.com - [Mumbai](https://ksandk.com/locations/top-corporate-law-firm-in-mumbai/): 3 offices (Nariman Point, Lower Parel, Andheri) | mumbai@ksandk.com - [Bangalore](https://ksandk.com/locations/top-corporate-law-firm-in-bangalore/): bangalore@ksandk.com - [Chennai](https://ksandk.com/locations/chennai/): chennai@ksandk.com - [Hyderabad](https://ksandk.com/locations/hyderabad/): hyderabad@ksandk.com - [Pune](https://ksandk.com/locations/pune/): pune@ksandk.com - [Kochi](https://ksandk.com/locations/kochi/): kochi@ksandk.com ## Contact - [Contact Page](https://ksandk.com/contact-us/) - General: info@ksandk.com | +91-11-41318190 - WhatsApp: +91-7428567444 - [Privacy Statement](https://ksandk.com/privacy-statement/) - [Terms of Use](https://ksandk.com/terms-of-use/)