The notification
On 8 May 2026 the Central Government notified the Model Standing Orders, 2026 (S.O. 2312(E)) under section 29 of the Industrial Relations Code, alongside the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026 (G.S.R. 342(E)). The IR Central Rules supersede the Industrial Disputes (Central) Rules, 1957 and the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Central Rules, 1946.
Central or state rules? The Central Rules apply where the Central Government is the appropriate government (for example central PSUs, mines, railways, banks and some other sectors). Most private factories and establishments in Jharkhand fall under the state government. Tracker sources reviewed for this article showed Jharkhand's rules under the Codes still at draft stage. Until a state notifies final rules, its earlier rules continue under the savings provisions, so treat the central formats as the direction of travel and confirm the Jharkhand Gazette before switching forms.
Key points
- Who it applies to: standing orders are required for industrial establishments employing 300 or more workers, a higher threshold than under the 1946 Act.
- Three sector schedules: Schedule A for mining, Schedule B for manufacturing and Schedule C for services.
- Adopting the model: an employer can adopt the Model Standing Orders and must tell the Certifying Officer the date of adoption, following rule 10 of the IR Central Rules. The Certifying Officer records it in the register kept under rule 47.
- Your own standing orders: draft standing orders are prepared on the basis of the model orders and certified through the procedure in the rules.
What to do now
- Count your workers as defined in the IR Code (not total employees) to see whether the 300 threshold applies.
- Compare your certified standing orders with the relevant schedule, especially misconduct, disciplinary procedure, leave and fixed-term employment.
- Decide whether to adopt the model orders or to modify and certify your own.
- Communicate the adoption date to the Certifying Officer and display the standing orders as required.
- Brief supervisors and union representatives on any changes to classification or discipline.
For drafting or certification support, see industrial relations consulting.
This article is general information on the law as reviewed on 6 November 2026, not legal advice. Forms and rules change, and state rules may differ from the Central Rules. Check the official Gazette notification for your state before acting, or get in touch for advice on your establishment.