As you are aware, the certification of standing orders is governed under the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946. Section 3 of the Act states that "Within six months from the date on which this Act becomes applicable to an industrial establishment, the employer shall submit to the Certifying Officer five copies of the draft standing orders proposed by him for adoption in his industrial establishment." Since there is involvement of the local union or unions, as the case may be, whose members understand only the local language, it is therefore imperative to submit the draft standing orders in both languages.
Section 9 of the Act relates to the posting of standing orders, which stipulates that the text of the standing orders as finally certified under this Act shall be prominently posted by the employer in English and in the language understood by the majority of his workmen on special boards to be maintained for the purpose.
While reviewing the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Punjab Rules, 1949, I came across Rule 8, which requires an employer to submit the Hindi/Punjabi version of the certified standing orders to the Certifying Officer, who shall ensure the correctness of the same. Rule 8(2) requires the employer to paste the Hindi/Punjabi version of the standing orders, once approved, on the notice board along with the English text. I would, therefore, advise you to check your state rules.
Regards,
BS Kalsi
Member since Aug 2011