On July 30, 2024, the Ministry of Labour and Employment announced a significant update regarding the status of certain industrial undertakings under the Ministry of Finance. This move reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining essential services that are crucial for public welfare.
The latest notification extends the classification of several key industrial undertakings as public utility services. These include:
- India Government Mints: Located in Kolkata, Noida, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
- India Security Press: Based in Nashik.
- Security Printing Press: Situated in Hyderabad.
- Security Paper Mill: Located in Hoshangabad.
- Bank Note Press: Found in Dewas.
- Currency Note Press: Based in Nashik Road.
These facilities are vital to the country’s financial infrastructure, handling everything from currency production to security paper manufacturing. They fall under various items in the First Schedule of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, which categorizes them as essential services.
Importance of the Extension:
The Central Government had originally declared these undertakings as public utility services for a six-month period starting January 30, 2024. This designation was established through a previous notification (S.O. 362(E) dated January 29, 2024).
Given the critical nature of these services, the government has decided to extend this status for an additional six months. This extension, effective from July 30, 2024, ensures that these essential services continue to operate smoothly and are safeguarded from disruptions that could impact their operations.
What Does This Mean for Businesses and Employees
For businesses and employees within these sectors, this extension provides a layer of protection and stability. The public utility service status helps prevent potential industrial disputes from leading to significant interruptions, ensuring that operations continue without major disruptions.
