The Maharashtra State Cabinet has approved the Maharashtra Code on Wages Rules, 2025, and the Maharashtra Industrial Relations Code Rules, 2025, aligning with the Central Government's framework of labour codes.
These rules are part of the broader labour reforms initiated by the Central Government, based on the recommendations of the Second National Commission on Labour, established in 1999 under the chairmanship of former Labour Minister Ravindra Varma. The Commission had recommended the consolidation of 29 existing labour laws into four comprehensive labour codes to simplify and streamline labour legislation in India.
The Central Government enacted four major codes: the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Social Security Code, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code. All four codes have been passed by the Indian Parliament. Since labour is a subject under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, both the Central and State Governments are required to make rules for the implementation of these codes. The Centre has framed model rules for all states, and uniform implementation across states is expected.
Accordingly, Maharashtra’s Labour Department drafted the Maharashtra Code on Wages Rules, 2025, and the Maharashtra Industrial Relations Code Rules, 2025. These draft rules were reviewed and approved with amendments by the Department of Law and Judiciary.
On Tuesday, the State Cabinet granted its formal approval to these rules. The proposals will now be sent to the Central Government for final approval and implementation.
