The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), on December 12, 2025, issued a notification extending the declaration of public utility service to industries engaged in manufacturing or producing nuclear fuel and components, heavy water, allied chemicals, and atomic energy. These industries fall under Item 28 of the First Schedule to the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and have been considered essential in the interest of the general public.
Earlier, the Central Government had declared these services as a public utility service for a period of six months with effect from June 28, 2025, vide Notification No. S.O. 2717(E) dated June 17, 2025. Upon review, the Government formed the opinion that continued public interest necessitates further extension of this status to ensure uninterrupted functioning of these critical industrial establishments.
Accordingly, in exercise of powers conferred under the proviso to sub-clause (vi) of clause (n) of Section 2 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, the Central Government has extended the public utility service status for an additional period of six months, with effect from December 28, 2025, thereby subjecting these industries to the special dispute resolution and strike-related provisions applicable to public utility services under the Act.
[Notification No. S.O.5795(E)]
