Discuss the merits and demerits of the four 'Labour Codes' in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard?

Shows one social security reform for formal workers within the wider labour code agenda; it offers little on the other codes.

• The ceiling, ₹6,500 from 2004 and ₹15,000 from 1 September 2014, now rises to ₹25,000, as rising minimum wages had pushed new workers out of automatic coverage.
• Note that higher costs for employers, especially MSMEs, may slow hiring or push some jobs informal; unions call the increase 'too little and too late'.
• Cite the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the e-Shram portal as tools to reach informal workers.

Use maternity protection under the Code on Social Security to show both the codes' progress and the gaps courts are now asking the Centre to fill.

• The Code on Social Security, 2020, now governing maternity benefits, came into force with the other three labour codes on 21 November 2025.
• On 31 August 2026 the Delhi High Court directed the Union to frame rules within six months on pregnancy accommodation, role protection, lactation support, crèches and grievance timelines.
• The 2017 amendment raised paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks and required crèches in establishments with 50 or more employees.