Central Government Notifies Model Standing Orders, 2026

The Central Government has notified the Model Standing Orders, 2026. The notification was published in the Official Gazette on 08.05.2026 and replaces the earlier framework under the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Central Rules, 1946. (egazette.gov.in/(S(efhhot5ukokvuxckmef5lgfu))/ViewPDF.aspx)

Notably, the notification introduces, for the first time, separate Model Standing Orders for the service sector through Schedule-C. This may have significant implications for IT companies, BPOs, consulting firms, financial service establishments and other organised service-sector employers covered under the Industrial Relations Code.

Traditionally, Standing Orders were largely associated with factories, mines and industrial manufacturing units. The introduction of a dedicated framework for the service sector signals a major shift towards formalisation of employment conditions in white-collar industries.