In a major step toward transforming India’s social protection landscape, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the enforcement of key provisions of the Code on Social Security, 2020, one of the four cornerstone Labour Codes aimed at establishing an inclusive and modern welfare framework for India’s workforce.
The notification S.O. 5319(E), issued in New Delhi on 21 November 2025, invokes powers under Section 1(3) of the Code to bring several substantive and procedural sections into force with immediate effect.
This marks a significant advancement in India’s efforts to ensure universal, simplified, and technology-enabled social security coverage for organised, unorganised, gig, and platform workers.
Provisions Brought Into Force
The following sections and clauses of the Code on Social Security, 2020 are now operational:
1. Sections 1 to 14
These foundational sections outline the Code’s scope, objectives, definitions, entitlements, and the broad framework governing social security schemes.
2. Section 15(1) and 15(2)
These provisions relate to the constitution and functioning of the Central Board for Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF).
3. Section 16(1)(c)
This clause concerns categories of employees and establishments covered under the EPF framework.
4. Sections 17 to 141
These extensive provisions address multiple benefits and schemes, including:
- Employees’ State Insurance (ESI)
- Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)
- Maternity benefits
- Gratuity
- Employee compensation
- Building and construction workers’ cess
- Unorganised and gig worker welfare mechanisms
5. Section 143 (except items notified earlier under S.O. 2060(E) dated 3 May 2023)
This section deals with the repeal of earlier laws and transitional arrangements, shifting from legacy social security legislations to the unified Code.
6. Sections 144 to 163
These provisions relate to penalties, compounding, offences, rule-making powers, and procedural mechanisms for enforcement and adjudication.
7. Section 164(1): Items 1, 2, and 4 to 9
These items empower the Central Government to frame detailed rules relating to returns, registers, contributions, data management, and welfare schemes.
8. Section 164(2)(a), 164(2)(c), and Section 164(3)
These clauses provide procedural authority for issuing regulations, notifications, and guidelines necessary for the Code’s implementation.
Why This Enforcement Matters
The Code on Social Security, 2020 consolidates nine major social security laws, streamlining welfare benefits for millions of workers across sectors. With the newly notified provisions in force, India takes a stronger step toward:
✔ Universal Social Security Coverage
Extending benefits to unorganised workers, gig workers, platform workers, and self-employed individuals.
✔ Modernised EPF and ESI Governance
Introducing time-bound inquiries, reduced procedural burdens, and digital facilitation for workers and employers.
✔ Inclusion of Gig and Platform Workers
For the first time, digital platform workers receive statutory recognition and support through aggregator contributions and a dedicated Social Security Fund.
✔ Faster, Transparent Compliance
Mandatory digital records, self-assessment for cess, and simplified inspections enhance business ease and reduce manual interventions.
✔ Enhanced Worker Welfare
Benefits now cover maternity support, disability, dependents, accidents during commute, and extended family coverage.
✔ Strengthened Legal Framework
Clear penalties, compounding provisions, and digitised processes promote effective implementation and compliance.
A Landmark in India’s Labour Welfare Reforms
The enforcement of these sections of the Code marks a decisive step in India’s vision to build a unified, inclusive, and modern social protection system. It ensures that workers across the organised and unorganised sectors receive better access to life, health, maternity, and old-age benefits.
This notification, along with the simultaneous enforcement of other Labour Codes, further establishes the groundwork for a fair, transparent, and growth-oriented labour environment