Govt publishes draft Model Standing Orders; formalises concept of Work from Home

• The Centre has invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders within a period of 30 days

• All the three Model Standing Orders encourage employers to enhance the use of information technology in the dissemination of information to workers

New Delhi: The government has published the draft Model Standing Orders for the Manufacturing Sector, Mining Sector and Service Sector in the official gazette, in which it has formalised the concept of work from home. The Centre has invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders within a period of 30 days, an official statement said on Saturday. Keeping in view the needs of the services sector, a separate Model Standing Orders for Services Sector has been prepared for the first time.

The Model Standing Orders says that if an employer adopts Model Standing Orders of the Central Government with respect to matters relevant to their industrial establishment or undertaking, then, such model standing order shall be deemed to have been certified. The model standing orders adopted in respect of an industrial establishment shall also be applicable to all other industrial units of the industrial establishment irrespective of location.   

Concept of 'Work from Home' formalised in Model Standing Orders for services sector

Uniformity has been maintained in all the three Model Standing Orders while providing some flexibility, considering the sector-specific requirements. The concept of "Work from home" has been formalised in the Model Standing Orders for Service Sector. All three Model Standing Orders encourage employers to enhance the use of information technology in the dissemination of information to workers through electronic mode.

To provide safeguards to the IT industry, "Involvement in unauthorised access of any IT system, computer network of the employer/ customer/client" has been prescribed as misconduct.

In IT sector, working hour shall be as per agreement between employer, workers

The Model Standing Orders for Services Sector inter alia provides that in case of IT Sector, the working hour shall be as per agreement or conditions of appointment between employer and workers. "Habitual," with respect to indiscipline, has been defined as the worker being found guilty of any misconduct three or more times in the preceding 12 months.

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Rail Travel Facility has been extended to workers in the mining sector. Presently, it is being availed by workers in coal mines only. Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour & Employment said, "These Model Standing Orders will pave the way for industrial harmony in the country as it aims to formalise service-related matters in an amicable manner."

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