India stands at the dawn of a historic era, a moment of national confidence as the country implements the Labour Codes, widely regarded as among the most visionary and transformative reforms since independence.

Their implementation marks the shedding of colonial-era labour laws and the adoption of a modern legislative framework aligned with the aspirations of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the long-term trajectory of Viksit Bharat 2047.

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These reforms uplift millions of workers and invigorate the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise sector, where women and marginalised groups play an indispensable role. With nearly one fifth of MSMEs being woman-led, the Codes open new pathways for Nari Shakti, strengthening equality, productivity and social justice across the sector.

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From protection to empowerment

The Labour Codes inaugurate a new era in which workers, particularly women, are empowered through dignity, fairness and widened access to essential protections. The Code on Wages and the Code on Social Security reinforce equal pay for equal work, ensure the universalisation of protection, and create an environment that supports and encourages women’s full participation.

The expansion of Employees State Insurance Corporation coverage strengthens health, maternity and income security, ensuring that women in both rural units and large MSME clusters benefit from comprehensive social protection.

The expanded definition of family, which now includes a woman’s parents-in-law, reflects an informed acknowledgement of caregiving responsibilities and enhances the social foundations that support women’s........

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