India's Four Labour Codes 2026 : Complete Guide with Deep Dive into Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code for Miners & Coal India Workers | Indian Minerology
India's labour laws have seen the biggest overhaul in history with the Four Labour Codes fully effective from November 21, 2025 . These codes replace 29 old central laws, simplifying rules while enhancing worker safety, wages, social security, and industrial relations. For miners, especially in Coal India Limited (CIL) operations across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and other states, the changes are game-changing—particularly under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code) , which replaces the Mines Act, 1952. As a Nagpur-based voice for the mining community, this detailed guide covers the four codes overall, then dives deep into the OSH Code (most relevant for hazardous sectors like coal mining). Updated for February 2026 status, including draft Coal Mines Regulations and Maharashtra implementation. What Are the Four Labour Codes? Quick Overview The codes modernize India's workforce: Code on Wages, 2019 : Minimum wages, timely paym...