29 April,2026 06:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The draft rules have been uploaded on the state government’s official website. Representational Pic
The Government of Maharashtra on Wednesday released draft rules for implementing key labour codes, seeking objections and suggestions from stakeholders within a 45-day window.
Issued via a gazette notification dated April 28, the draft Maharashtra Industrial Relations Rules, 2026 and Maharashtra Wage Code Rules, 2026 are aligned with the Centre's Industrial Relations Code, 2020 and Code on Wages, 2019.
The release stated that this will simplify labour regulations and make compliance effective across industries.
According to officials, the proposed rules seek to streamline employer-worker relations and bring greater clarity to wage provisions. The state expects the framework to improve transparency and ensure smoother industrial operations.
The government has called upon trade unions, industries, and individuals to submit their objections and suggestions within 45 days of the notification. All feedback received within the stipulated period will be reviewed before finalising the rules.
The draft rules have been uploaded on the state government's official website and the Labour Department's portal under the "Acts and Rules" section for public access.
Stakeholders can send their responses to the Labour Commissioner at Labour Bhavan, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai, or email their suggestions to this gmail id: mh.labourcodes.rules
The Labour Department has urged industrial establishments and workers' unions across the state to actively participate in the consultation process and submit their inputs within the deadline.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Transport Department will launch a statewide verification drive from May 1 to August 15 to enforce its decision mandating knowledge of Marathi for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. The initiative aims to strengthen compliance while offering training support to drivers unfamiliar with the language.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the move at a press conference, stating that a four-member committee led by Additional Transport Commissioner Ravindra Gaikwad will oversee the campaign.
According to the minister, representatives of auto-rickshaw and taxi unions have expressed support for the decision. He said there was broad agreement that drivers operating in Maharashtra should have a working knowledge of Marathi.
Senior officials, including Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, were present at the briefing.
