If you have ever set up or managed a business in India, you know the traditional “compliance trap” well.
Historically, an establishment had to navigate a maze of fragmented paperwork: separate registrations under the Factories Act, the Contract Labour Act, individual setups for EPFO (Provident Fund) and ESIC (Employee Insurance), and completely different licenses depending on the state of operation. The same company details were submitted repeatedly to multiple government portals.
With the consolidation of 29 central labour laws into 4 New Labour Codes and the progressive notification of rules by the Central Government; a significant step toward a unified registration framework has been taken. However, full implementation across India is still evolving.
This guide explains the proposed and partially implemented “One Central Registration” system, its current status, and what employers, entrepreneurs, and HR compliance officers should know.
1. What is “One Central Registration”? (Legal Basis)
The concept of a single, unified establishment registration is introduced primarily under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020, and is intended to be synchronized across the other three codes:
- The Code on Wages, 2019
- The Industrial Relations Code, 2020
- The Code on Social Security, 2020
- The OSH Code, 2020
Under this framework, an establishment would apply for a single common registration instead of separate registrations under individual laws. This registration would satisfy foundational establishment-reporting obligations.
The government has also introduced the concept of a unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) – a single identifier for online compliance, inspections, and annual returns.
Important caveat: As of the latest available rules, not all provisions are fully operational across all states. Many states have not yet harmonized their respective Shops & Establishments Acts or other state-specific labour laws with the central LIN framework. Employers must continue to check state-level requirements.
2. Where Do You Register? (The Portal)
The digital platform for this integration is the Unified Shram Suvidha Portal, managed by the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
The government has upgraded the existing Shram Suvidha architecture to handle the combined requirements of the new Labour Codes.
Official Portal: shramsuvidha.gov.in
Through this portal, employers can:
- Apply for common registration (for central labour law compliance)
- File the single Unified Annual Return under certain central labour laws (including the Contract Labour Act, etc.). Note: As of now, EPF and ESIC returns continue to be filed separately on their respective portals unless the government’s long-term plan for complete integration is fully implemented.
- Obtain a Labour Identification Number (LIN)
Note: For state-specific registrations (e.g., Shops & Establishments, Professional Tax, State Factories Rules), separate state-level portals or processes may still be required. Multi-state employers must ensure alignment with each state’s requirements.
3. Step-by-Step Registration Process (Current Procedure)
The digital process is designed to be paperless and user-friendly:
- Create a Unified Portal Account
Navigate to the Shram Suvidha Portal and sign up using a valid email ID and Indian mobile number. - Select ‘Establishment Registration’
Under the main dashboard, choose the option for Common Registration (or as labelled by the portal at the time of application). Fill out the unified electronic form covering ownership details, business activity, and workforce numbers. - Attach Core Identifiers
Upload primary corporate documents: PAN, GSTIN, CIN (for companies), and proof of address. The system uses these to validate your corporate identity. - Authenticate with Digital Signature
Submit and verify the application using Aadhaar-based e-Sign or a registered Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the authorized signatory. - Download Your LIN Certificate
Once processed, the portal will generate your unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) and the registration certificate.
4. The Shift: Legacy vs. New Framework (Where Possible)
The following table illustrates the intended changes but actual implementation may vary by establishment type, size, and location.
| Feature | Old Legacy Framework (Multiple Acts) | New Unified Framework (as per Codes) |
| Number of Registrations | Multiple separate filings (EPF, ESIC, Factories, CLRA) | Intended: One common registration for central laws. State laws may still require separate filings. |
| Licenses & Renewals | Activity-specific licenses with frequent renewals | Under OSH Code, certain licenses (e.g., contract labour, factory) can be granted for up to 5 years (not yet universal for all). |
| Statutory Registers | Up to 84 different physical registers (depending on applicable laws) | Significantly reduced – OSH Code prescribes consolidated registers. Claim of “exactly 8” varies by establishment; check applicable rules. |
| Annual Returns | Up to 31 separate returns for central schemes (EPF, ESIC, etc.) | Single consolidated electronic return for central labour laws (Shram Suvidha Portal). State returns (e.g., professional tax) remain separate. |
5. Important Compliance Challenges (Do Not Ignore)
While the move toward a unified interface is a positive step for Ease of Doing Business, several challenges remain:
- Cross-Department Data Matching:
With PAN, GSTIN, and labour profile tied to a single LIN, any discrepancy in employee counts or wage figures may trigger automated flags across multiple authorities. - State vs. Central Alignment:
The Shram Suvidha Portal primarily handles establishments under central government authority (e.g., factories under the Factories Act, central government contractors). Many states have not yet fully migrated their Shops & Establishments, Professional Tax, and State Factories systems to sync with LIN. Separate state registrations may still be mandatory. - Partial Implementation of the Codes:
The Central Government has notified rules under several Codes, but enforcement dates vary. Employers must track official gazette notifications for the exact applicability date for their establishment. - LIN is Not a Universal Substitute:
Having a LIN does not automatically exempt an employer from EPF/ESIC registrations (though integration is progressing). Always verify with EPFO and ESIC whether separate registration is still required. - Multi-State Footprint:
Organizations operating in multiple states must ensure that each state’s local labour law registrations are maintained and aligned with the central LIN details. There is currently no legal mandate for states to accept LIN as a substitute for their own registration.
6. Conclusion: Is the Headache Gone?
Not entirely – but it is significantly reduced for central labour law compliance.
The Shram Suvidha Portal and the LIN framework represent a genuine modernization of India’s labour governance. They replace multiple disconnected filings with a transparent, digital process for central requirements. However, until all states fully harmonize their systems and the Codes are completely operational, employers must remain vigilant and maintain a hybrid compliance approach: use LIN for central filings, and continue to comply with state-specific laws separately.
Final advice: Always consult a labour law practitioner and monitor official updates from the Ministry of Labour & Employment and your state’s labour department.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. India’s new Labour Codes are being implemented in phases, with varying adoption across states. Readers must verify current rules with the official Gazette, Ministry of Labour & Employment, and their legal counsel before acting on any information below.