5. Governance & Social Justice – VV Giri Study on Labour Codes

Context
An independent study by the V.V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI) on Labour Codes has been highlighted as showing broad support among workers and employers.

Background
India consolidated 29 labour laws into four Labour Codes on Wages, Social Security, Industrial Relations, and Occupational Safety & Health, notified nationwide in late 2025, aiming at simplification, formalisation and wider social security.

Data / Trend
The VV Giri study, titled “The Implementation of Labour Codes: A Perception‑based Analysis”, uses surveys and focus‑group discussions. Respondents report better clarity of provisions, improved social‑security coverage, and easier compliance through digital systems.

Analysis & Application
For GS‑2 (Governance) this shows reform of regulatory frameworks, cooperative federalism (states framing rules), and New Public Management features like single‑window compliance. Critically, it raises concerns about informal‑sector invisibility, possible dilution of job security (e.g., higher thresholds for layoffs), and weak enforcement for vulnerable workers.

Way Forward
Need for: state‑wise impact evaluations, strong labour inspector‑cum‑facilitator capacity, multilingual awareness campaigns for workers, robust digital grievance‑redress and tripartite dialogue (state–employers–workers) to address emerging issues.

Conclusion
The study indicates cautious optimism but underscores that only inclusive, well‑implemented codes can genuinely combine ease of doing business with dignity and protection for workers.