Ministry of Labour & Employment on 8 May 2026 under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 notified the Model Standing Orders, 2026 vide Gazette of India (Extraordinary) Notification No. S.O. 2312(E).

Key Highlights:

Model Standing Orders have been released in 2026 for the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, which will come into effect on May 8, 2026.
The Mining, Manufacturing, and Service Sectors are covered.
Workers defined as Permanent, Temporary, Apprentice, Probationer, Badli, Casual, and Fixed Term Employees.
The probation period will now be set at 6 months and can be extended by 3 months.
Fixed Term Employees (FTE) will now receive the same pay as permanent employees.
Gratuity will be paid to Fixed Term Employees after 1 year of employment.
An employee ID card will be issued, which will include the employee’s blood group and emergency contact information.
Electronic notice boards and HR portals will be used.
Digital displays will show working hours, holidays, wage rates, and shift information.
A 21-day notice will be required for making any changes to shifts, as well as for a shift closure or restart.
Attendance will now be tracked via biometric or other electronic means.
Continually coming in late for work will entitle the employer to make a wage deduction as per the Code on Wages, 2019.
Unplanned leave to be requested at least 7 days prior.
Wages will be paid via bank transfer or some other electronic means.
Wages will now be paid within the first 7 days of each month for the previous month worked.
Employers are now required to keep accurate and detailed service records of all employees in either an electronic or manual format.
The age of retirement will now be set at 58.
A transfer policy must be documented for each establishment.
A transfer between states will now require the consent of the employee or a provision in the appointment letter.
The employer will now have to pay for the required medical examinations.
Employees can no longer disclose confidential company information for any reason.
The definition of misconduct now includes sexual harassment, illegal strikes, violence, and data breaches.
A domestic inquiry will now be conducted for all the above stated violations within 90 days.
An Internal Committee for POSH will now be used for all inquiries regarding sexual harassment.

Model Standing Orders, 2026 Notified under Industrial Relations Code, 2020