Administration pushes for swift transition to consolidated labour framework
Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a review meeting to assess the implementation of the four new central Labour Codes in Jammu and Kashmir, directing concerned departments to expedite remaining formalities and ensure a smooth transition to the revised regulatory framework.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, Law; Secretary, Labour and Employment; the Labour Commissioner, J&K; and other concerned officers, an official statement said.
Officials reviewed progress on the consolidated framework, which brings together 29 earlier labour laws into four Codes — the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020; the Code on Social Security, 2020; and the Code on Wages, 2019. The meeting, according to the administration, focused on completing statutory and administrative steps required for implementation in the Union Territory.
Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Secretary of the Labour and Employment Department, presented a detailed report on the status of rule formulation and other preparatory measures, the release said. The Chief Secretary appreciated steps already taken by the Labour Department while underlining the need to adhere to prescribed timelines for the remaining processes.
- Notified: Rules under the Industrial Relations Code and the OSH Code have been notified for Jammu and Kashmir.
- In final stages: Rules under the Code on Social Security and the Code on Wages are in the final stages of notification.
- Drafts pre‑published: The administration has pre‑published draft rules for the Social Security and Wages Codes following approval from the Lieutenant Governor.
Administrative and welfare priorities highlighted
The Chief Secretary emphasised that the transition to the four Codes should strengthen workers’ welfare and social security, promote transparency, and preserve industrial harmony. He instructed departments to complete statutory formalities so that the Codes could be applied effectively across industrial establishments in the Union Territory.
According to the official note, the new framework is intended not only to consolidate labour laws but also to improve industrial relations and facilitate ease of doing business. The administration said rule notifications and final administrative actions remain critical to operationalise these objectives locally.
| Labour Code | Status in J&K |
|---|---|
| Industrial Relations Code, 2020 | Rules notified |
| OSH Code, 2020 | Rules notified |
| Code on Social Security, 2020 | Draft rules pre‑published; final stages of notification |
| Code on Wages, 2019 | Draft rules pre‑published; final stages of notification |
Officials said the pre‑publication of drafts for the Social Security and Wages Codes followed necessary approval from the Lieutenant Governor, signalling that these rules are approaching finalisation. The administration indicated that remaining statutory and administrative steps will be completed within prescribed timelines.
Implementation of the Codes is likely to affect multiple stakeholders, including employers, workers, trade unions and regulatory authorities. The administration's push to notify rules and finish formalities aims to provide legal clarity and a consistent compliance framework for establishments operating in the Union Territory.
By consolidating earlier statutes into four Codes, the central legislation sought to streamline labour governance nationally; the current review in Jammu and Kashmir reflects efforts to align local rules and procedures with the central framework while addressing region‑specific administrative requirements.
The Chief Secretary asked departmental heads to follow up on outstanding items and report progress, ensuring that the codes' implementation strengthens social security measures and fosters an orderly industrial environment.
