Bhubaneswar: Indramani Tripathy, the Labour Commissioner, has appealed to the Odisha government to organize a meeting of the Odisha Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Board (OUWSS Board) to make vital decisions concerning its operations in accordance with the Code on Social Security, 2020.

In a letter dated August 7, addressed to the Principal Secretary of the Labour and ESI Department, Tripathy highlighted that the Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued four Labour Codes, which include the Code on Social Security, 2020 (SS Code). These codes will take effect starting November 21, 2025, and will replace 29 existing Central labour laws. One of the laws that will be repealed is the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008. Consequently, the functions of both the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board and the Odisha Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Board must now align with the provisions set out in the SS Code.

While the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board can continue its operations under the transitional provisions of the new Code, there is no similar arrangement for the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Board. As a result, the Labour Commissioner has stressed the need for an immediate Board meeting to ensure that appropriate decisions are made regarding its establishment and operations under the new legal framework.

Additionally, the state government had earlier issued draft Odisha Rules pertaining to the labour codes in February 2026, inviting public feedback and suggestions. However, the final version of the Odisha Rules has yet to be announced.