The Labour and E.S.I Department, Govt. of Odisha on February 16, 2026, issued the Draft Odisha Code on Social Security Rules, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The Draft Code aims to implement the provisions of the Social Security Code within the state by consolidating and replacing earlier labour welfare rules relating to gratuity, maternity benefits, employees’ insurance, and unorganised workers’ social security.
• The rules provide for the constitution and functioning of social security institutions such as the Odisha Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Board and the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board to administer welfare schemes for workers.
• They lay down provisions regarding the composition of these boards, tenure of members, powers, meetings, administrative procedures, and financial management.
• The draft rules also outline procedures for matters such as nomination and payment of gratuity, appeals and dispute resolution mechanisms, and the functioning of Employees’ Insurance Courts.
• In addition, the rules enable the implementation of various welfare schemes including insurance coverage, medical assistance, and educational benefits for workers and their families, while promoting digital processes for registration, applications, record maintenance, and administration to improve transparency and efficiency in delivering social security benefits.
[Notification no. - 1160─LESI-LR-POL-0004/2026/LESI]
