Government Notifies Procedure to Determine Core Activity of an Establishment

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has notified the procedure under Rule 101 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026 for deciding whether an activity of an establishment is a core activity or otherwise. Aggrieved parties can submit an application with supporting documents through email or speed post. The designated authority will examine the application and submit its recommendations within 60 days, and the Ministry will issue its final decision within 30 days, following the principles of natural justice. A standard application form has also been prescribed.

Key Highlights

ParticularsDetails
Notification Date07 July 2026
Issued ByMinistry of Labour & Employment
Rule CoveredRule 101 of the OSHWC (Central) Rules, 2026
PurposeDetermine whether an establishment’s activity is a core activity or otherwise
Who Can Apply?Aggrieved Party
Mode of ApplicationEmail or Speed Post
Designated Authority ReportWithin 60 days
Ministry’s DecisionWithin 30 days after receiving the report

Information Required in the Application

Application Process

  • The aggrieved party can submit an application along with supporting documents through email or speed post.
  • The Ministry of Labour & Employment may refer the application to the designated authority for examination.
  • The designated authority will review the application and submit its recommendations to the Ministry within 60 days.
  • The Ministry will decide whether the activity is a core activity or otherwise within 30 days of receiving the report.
  • The decision will be made by following the principles of natural justice and will be communicated to the applicant.

Information Required in the ApplicationInformation Required in the Application

The application should contain the following details:

1. Name and Address of the Establishment
Where the contract workers are employed.

2. Name and Address of the Contractor/Sub-contractor
Details of the contractor or sub-contractor engaged.

3. Contract Labour Licence Number and Date
Licence number and the date of issue.

4. Work Order Details
Details of the work order under which the contract workers are engaged.

5. Employment Period
Since when the contract workers have been employed in the establishment.

6. Core Activity of the Establishment
Mention the principal or core activity carried out by the establishment.

7. Activity Performed by Contract Workers
Specify the work or activity assigned to the contract workers.

8. Number of Workers
Mention the number of:

  • Contract Workers
  • Permanent Workers

9. Details of the Party Raising the Dispute
Name and address of the Principal Employer, Contractor, Sub-contractor, Trade Union, or Workers.

10. Brief Description of the Dispute
Provide a concise summary of the issue or dispute.

11. List of Supporting Documents
Attach the relevant documents, if any.

Conclusion

This notification provides a clear and time-bound procedure for resolving disputes on whether an activity of an establishment is a core activity under the OSHWC (Central) Rules, 2026. Employers, contractors, workers, and other aggrieved parties can now follow a prescribed application process to seek a decision from the Ministry of Labour & Employment, ensuring transparency, fairness, and compliance with the law.