Rules under two Codes notified; remaining rules targeted for final publication within 10 days
Srinagar, September 24: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the implementation of the four new Labour Codes in Jammu & Kashmir and directed the concerned departments to expedite the remaining formalities for a smooth transition to the new regulatory framework.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, Law; Secretary, Labour and Employment; Labour Commissioner, J&K; and other concerned officers.
Rules under two Codes notified
Secretary, Labour and Employment Kumar Rajeev Ranjan made a detailed presentation on the progress of implementation of the four Codes — the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020; Code on Social Security, 2020; and Code on Wages, 2019.
The meeting was informed that the four Codes consolidate 29 existing labour laws, with the new framework aimed at strengthening workers’ welfare, improving industrial relations and facilitating ease of doing business.
Reviewing the status of rule formulation, the Chief Secretary was informed that J&K has already notified rules under the Industrial Relations Code and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code.
Rules under the Code on Social Security and the Code on Wages are in the final stages of notification.
The draft rules under the two Codes were pre-published after obtaining the necessary approval of the Lieutenant Governor and attracted 27 and five objections, respectively. The objections have been examined and are being disposed of, with the department targeting submission of the rules for final publication within the next 10 days.
The meeting was also informed that administrative notifications under all four Codes have been framed and submitted to the Law Department for statutory vetting. These notifications are proposed to be issued after their receipt from the Law Department.
Focus on digital integration
The Chief Secretary reviewed preparations for transitioning to a unified digital compliance and grievance redressal system through the Central Government’s Shram Suvidha and Samadhan portals.
He was informed that J&K has already conveyed its consent to the Ministry of Labour and Employment for onboarding onto the Shram Suvidha portal and has furnished the requisite banking details to facilitate digital transactions.
The Shram Suvidha portal will provide a single-window platform for registration, licensing, filing of annual returns and inspections, while the Samadhan portal will enable workers and employers to register, track and seek online resolution of industrial disputes and grievances.
The meeting was informed that the Ministry of Labour and Employment is undertaking the necessary customisation and revamping of both platforms to facilitate their integration with J&K’s compliance systems.
CS stresses timely implementation
Reviewing the overall progress, Dulloo appreciated the steps taken by the Labour and Employment Department and directed the concerned departments to adhere strictly to the prescribed timelines.
He stressed timely completion of the remaining statutory and administrative formalities to ensure effective implementation of the new Labour Codes in J&K.
The Chief Secretary said the transition to the new framework should strengthen workers’ welfare and social security while promoting transparency, industrial harmony and a more efficient regulatory environment for industrial establishments across the Union Territory.
