Rules 103 and 104 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Rule 103 says a helpline number that workers can call without charge for inter-State migrant workers will be provided by general or special order of the Director General, Labour Welfare Organisation of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Rule 104 lets the Central Government identify studies on the safety, health and welfare of these workers. Both are enabling rules; they do not impose a direct duty on employers.
Rule 103: a helpline number that workers can call without charge will be provided through general or special order by the Director General Labour Welfare Organisation, Ministry of Labour and Employment, to address queries and safety of inter-State migrant workers. Rule 104: the Central Government may identify studies to promote the safety, health and welfare of inter-State migrant workers, by general or special order, and may consult State Governments or expert organisations where required. Neither rule sets a number, a timeline or an employer duty.
The Code provisions behind the rules
Section 63 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (the OSH Code) says the appropriate Government may provide a helpline facility, which workers can call without charge, to inter-State migrant workers, in the manner prescribed by that Government. Section 64 says the appropriate Government "may provide for study of inter-State migrant workers in such manner as may be prescribed by that Government". Both use "may", which makes them facilitative. These sections sit in Part II of Chapter XI, which applies under section 59 to every establishment in which ten or more inter-State migrant workers are employed, or were employed on any day of the preceding twelve months. See our sections 62 to 65 explainer.
The Central Rules apply where the Central Government is the appropriate Government. Where the State Government is the appropriate Government, State rules and State helplines, if any, apply. Our employment and labour law advisory team can help work out how your migrant workforce is covered.
Rule 103: helpline number
| Point | Reading |
|---|---|
| Who provides the number | Through a general or special order by the Director General, Labour Welfare Organisation, Ministry of Labour and Employment |
| Purpose | To address queries and safety of inter-State migrant workers |
| Employer's duty | None stated in the rule |
| What the rule does not say | The number itself, languages, hours, who staffs it, and any display obligation on employers |
What the rule means in practice
- A government service. The helpline is to be provided by the Government's labour welfare organisation. Rule 103 does not require an employer to run its own.
- Number by order. The text says "shall be provided through general or special order". The number and operating details will come from that order; watch for it.
- Awareness. Because the rule is silent on display or communication duties, employers are not required by this rule to put the number on a notice board. However, once the number is notified, sharing it with migrant workers is consistent with the purpose of the rule and with the Code's duty under section 60(i) to ensure suitable conditions of work for such workers. This is good practice, not a requirement stated in rule 103.
- Not a grievance route against the employer by itself. The rule speaks of "queries and safety". The text does not describe complaint handling, escalation or timelines.
For the Code's duties on contractors and employers of inter-State migrant workers, such as reporting fatal accidents or serious injury to specified authorities of both States and to the next of kin, see our sections 60 and 61 explainer.
Rule 104: study of inter-State migrant workers
| Point | Reading |
|---|---|
| Who | The Central Government |
| What | May identify the studies to be carried out to promote safety, health and welfare of inter-State migrant workers |
| How | As specified by general or special order issued from time to time |
| Consultation | Wherever required, the Central Government may consult the State Government or expert organisations involved in the safety, health and welfare of inter-State migrant workers |
Rule 104 is purely enabling. It does not name a study, set a deadline or direct employers to supply data. Studies, once identified by order, may result in schemes or further rules. The text is silent on how a study's findings will be used and whether employers will be asked to participate.
For related data collection, see our article on rule 13 about statistics and the portal for inter-State migrant workers.
What employers and contractors should do
- Watch for the order. Check the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Directorate General Labour Welfare for the helpline number once it is notified.
- Share it. Once the number is notified, consider including it in joining packs and notices for migrant workers. This is not required by rule 103.
- Prepare for studies. If a study is notified for your sector, expect requests for information. Keep records on migrant worker numbers, home State, wages and facilities in order.
- Do not treat these as the full picture. The substantive duties for migrant workers are in sections 60 and 61 of the Code and rule 102 (journey allowance); see our rule 102 article.
Practical examples
Example 1. A construction contractor with workers from Odisha and Jharkhand hears that a helpline number has been notified. It adds the number to its induction sheet in the workers' languages, though rule 103 does not require this.
Example 2. The Central Government issues an order identifying a study on safety conditions of migrant workers in construction. A principal employer is asked to share headcount and accident data. It has records ready.
Example 3. A company asks whether it must set up a helpline for its migrant workers. Rule 103 says the helpline is provided through an order of the Director General Labour Welfare Organisation, not by employers.
Need help with migrant workforce compliance?
Migrant worker obligations sit across the Code, the Rules, State rules and contractor licences. Our team can help you map your obligations and keep your records study-ready. Start with our employment and labour law advisory service.
Key takeaways
- Rule 103: the helpline number, which workers can call without charge, for inter-State migrant workers is provided through an order of the Director General Labour Welfare Organisation.
- Its stated purpose is to address queries and safety.
- Rule 104: the Central Government may identify studies on safety, health and welfare of such workers and may consult States and expert organisations.
- Neither rule imposes a direct duty on employers; both depend on later orders.
- State rules apply where the State is the appropriate Government.
Read next
- Sections 62 to 65 of the OSH Code: public distribution, helpline, study and past liabilities of migrant workers
- Rule 102: journey allowance to inter-State migrant worker
- Rule 13: statistics and portal for inter-State migrant workers
- Inter-State migrant workers: registration, licensing and compliance 2026
Disclaimer: Based on the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (as enacted) and, where noted, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026 (G.S.R. 345(E), 8 May 2026), as on 30 September 2026. The Code is in force from 21 November 2025; some provisions may be notified later, and State Governments make their own rules for establishments where the State is the appropriate Government. Verify the current position before acting.