The Ministry of Labour & Employment released Year End Review 2025 indicating landmark labour reforms, expansion of social security, digital initiatives for transforming EPFO and ESIC and welfare provisions for large number of workers. It achieved a major milestone with the implementation of four Labour Codes from 21 November 2025, and other new programmes and technology-driven reform measures to enhance ease of doing business, worker welfare, and job growth.

Key Impacts:

1. Four Labour Codes replaced the 29 labour laws bringing in uniform definitions, ease of compliance, web-based inspection regimes and decriminalisation for minor offences.

2. Minimum statutory wage for all workers, enhancement of social security benefits, overtime wages, gratuity to fixed term employees and safer working conditions.

3. Social security coverage surge: The coverage rose to 64.3%, placing India at No 2 globally, with ESIC and EPFO penetration being more pervasive.

4. Auto Settlement of Claims up to ₹5 lakh, centralized pension payment, FAT-based UAN activation and simplified withdrawal process under New EPF Composite Claim Form & Single Page ECR.

5. Spread to 713 districts, increased hospital capacity, proposing of new medical colleges, amnesty and SPREE schemes for compliance and access to healthcare.

6. Employment generation push: Introduction of Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana at ₹99,446 crore to generate more than 3.5 crore jobs in two years.

7. e-Shram registrations had exceeded 31.42 crore with a plan for social security of platform workers.

8. The role of National Career Service in organizing mega job fairs, placements and collaboration with private platforms for enhancing employment opportunities.

Year End Review 2025 – Ministry of Labour & Employment