The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), on December 30, 2025, notified the Draft Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2025 following the enforcement of all provisions of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. The draft rules are proposed under section 99 of the Code, in supersession of the Industrial Disputes (Central) Rules, 1957 and the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Central Rules, 1946, except for actions already taken under the earlier rules.
The draft rules consolidate and operationalize key mechanisms under the Industrial Relations Code, including definitions, electronic submissions, reference of authorities, and detailed procedures for settlements of industrial disputes. They prescribe Form I for settlements, clarify signing authorities for employers and trade unions, provide for electronic filing of settlements, and mandate maintenance of settlement registers by conciliation officers. The rules also specify the roles of employers in different industries, including railways, and clarify the applicability of Central Government authority in Union Territories without legislatures.
Further, the draft introduces detailed provisions on bi-partite forums, particularly the Works Committee, covering its constitution, representation, gender inclusion, employer and worker nominations, and consultation with registered trade unions. Stakeholders and the public are invited to submit objections and suggestions within 30 days of publication in the Official Gazette, in the prescribed proforma, which will be considered by the Central Government before finalization of the rules.
[Notification No. G.S.R. 930(E)]
