The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi:
In an important administrative move, President Droupadi Murmu has authorised the Administrators and Lieutenant Governors of all Union Territories to exercise the powers and perform the functions of the “appropriate government” under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
The directive, issued under clause (1) of Article 239 of the Constitution, aims to ensure clarity and uniformity in the implementation of labour laws across Union Territories. The notification, released by the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 2, supersedes earlier notifications issued on January 16, 2023, and June 22, 2023.
The order clarifies that any actions already taken or omitted under the earlier notifications will remain unaffected, ensuring legal continuity and certainty.
As per the notification, the Administrators or Lieutenant Governors of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Chandigarh, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir will, subject to the President’s control and until further orders, exercise the powers of the appropriate government or state government under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. These powers will apply in areas where the respective Union Territories are required to function as the appropriate government under the law.
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 consolidates and amends laws related to trade unions, conditions of employment in industrial establishments, and mechanisms for dispute resolution. Clear administrative authority is crucial for its effective implementation, particularly in Union Territories where governance structures differ from those of states.
Officials said the latest directive removes ambiguity over statutory authority in Union Territories, facilitating smoother administration, faster decision-making, and more effective handling of industrial relations matters. The move is also expected to benefit employers, workers, and trade unions by clearly identifying the authority responsible for approvals, registrations, and dispute resolution.
The order reinforces the constitutional framework governing Union Territories, with Administrators and Lieutenant Governors acting on behalf of the President. By clearly vesting them with powers under the Industrial Relations Code, the Centre aims to ensure consistent application of labour laws while maintaining oversight through presidential control.
The decision forms part of the government’s broader effort to streamline governance and strengthen the implementation of major legislative reforms as labour codes are progressively rolled out across the country.
