SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has notified the Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Relations Rules, 2026, marking a major overhaul of the Union Territory’s labour administration by bringing it in line with the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. The new rules supersede the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Union Regulations, 1972, the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Rules, 1972, and the Industrial Disputes (J&K State) Rules, 1972.
Issued by the Labour and Employment Department, the notification states that the rules will apply across the Union Territory and will come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
Among the key reforms is the constitution of Works Committees in applicable industrial establishments to promote employer-worker cooperation. The rules prescribe equal or adequate representation of workers, procedures for selecting representatives, tenure of members, meeting schedules and the functioning of these committees.
The rules also lay down a structured framework for Grievance Redressal Committees, requiring equal representation of employers and workers, while mandating adequate representation of women workers. Aggrieved workers can file grievances electronically or through other prescribed modes, with further provision for approaching the Conciliation Officer if disputes remain unresolved.
In a significant push towards digital governance, several procedures—including submission of applications, communications, notices and grievance petitions—can now be carried out electronically through the designated online mechanism.
The notification also introduces detailed provisions governing trade unions, including registration procedures, maintenance and audit of accounts, subscription norms, annual returns, amalgamation, cancellation of registration and utilisation of union funds. It fixes the admission fee for trade union members at ₹100 and prescribes a minimum monthly subscription of ₹30 per member.
The rules define the criteria for recognising a sole negotiating union in an industrial establishment. Where more than one registered trade union exists, recognition will depend on verified membership strength. If no union secures the prescribed majority, a Negotiating Council comprising representatives of eligible unions will be constituted.
Industrial establishments are also required to extend specified facilities to recognised negotiating unions or councils, including notice boards, meeting venues, office access for office-bearers and, in establishments employing 300 or more workers, suitable office accommodation with necessary facilities.
The rules further specify permissible uses of trade union funds, procedures for constituting separate political funds, adjudication of disputes before the Industrial Tribunal, and timelines for appeals and annual returns, creating a comprehensive regulatory framework for industrial relations in Jammu and Kashmir.
The rules also provide a detailed procedure for the registration of trade unions, requiring applications to be accompanied by an affidavit in the prescribed format. Trade unions that have been in existence for more than a year before seeking registration must also furnish a statement of their assets and liabilities. The Registrar has been empowered to maintain a register of trade unions, issue registration certificates, and process applications for cancellation or withdrawal of registration after verifying that such decisions have been approved by the union’s general body or a majority of its members.
To strengthen financial accountability, the rules mandate that the funds of registered trade unions be deposited in scheduled banks and subjected to annual audits by qualified auditors. The audit process includes verification of accounts, vouchers and annual returns, besides reporting any unauthorized expenditure, financial irregularities or losses caused by negligence or misconduct. Separate funds created by trade unions for political or civic activities will also have to undergo auditing.
The government has also specified the matters that may be taken up by recognised negotiating unions or negotiating councils during collective bargaining. These include issues related to classification of workers, working hours, wage rates, shift schedules, leave rules, workplace discipline, termination of employment, suspension and dismissal, grievance redressal and other service conditions notified by the government from time to time.
The rules further prescribe procedures for adjudication of disputes involving trade unions before the Industrial Tribunal. Such disputes may relate to registration, administration, management, election of office bearers or refusal of membership by a trade union. Aggrieved persons may approach the Tribunal within one year of the dispute arising through electronic mode, registered post, speed post or by filing applications in person.
Additionally, the framework lays down procedures governing the amalgamation and dissolution of trade unions, distribution of funds following dissolution, and submission of annual returns. Registered trade unions have been directed to file their annual returns with the Registrar by July 31 each year in the prescribed format, ensuring periodic disclosure and regulatory oversight.
