Centre extends 'public utility' deadline for iron and steel industries
Business Standard
India
16-02-2024
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Days after the government extended the ‘public utility’ label for aluminium industries and bauxite mining, the Centre on Thursday also classified iron and steel as ‘public utility’ for the next six months.
A public utility service refers to an industry or service considered essential for the community’s well-being and functioning. These services are deemed so critical that disruptions or stoppages can extensively impact public life and cause hardship.
The Ministry of Labour & Employment issued a notification on Thursday invoking the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, citing “public interest” and the need to maintain uninterrupted services in these “essential” sectors.
“The central government hereby declares the services engaged in the iron and steel industry to be a public utility service for the purposes of the said Act for a further period of six months with effect from February 17, 2024,” the notification said.