On May 8, 2026, the Government of India has notified the Central Rules under the four Labour Codes, namely, (i) the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026; (ii) Code on Wages (Central) Rules, 2026; (iii) Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026; and (iv) Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026 (collectively, the “Central Rules”). The Labour Codes were earlier notified on November 21, 2025.

The Central Rules contain provisions which will help in effective implementation of the Labour Codes. They apply to organizations for whom the ‘appropriate government’ is the Central Government or where the Central Government has the authority to prescribe appropriate rules. Some State Governments are yet to notify state-specific rules under the Labour Codes.

Along with the Central Rules, the Government of India has also issued operational notifications inter alia relating to: (a) the model standing orders for the service sector, manufacturing and mining sector under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (“IR Code”); (b) establishment of the Worker Re-skilling Fund under the IR Code; (c) determination of cess at the rate of 1% of the cost of construction for building and construction work undertaken by the employer; and (d) a 90-day timeline from notification of the Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 for reporting of vacancies to the relevant career centers (excluding roles with wages below INR 11,000 per month).