SRINAGAR: The Labour Commissioner and Registrar of Trade Unions, Jammu and Kashmir, Charandeep Singh, has ordered the cancellation of registration for 447 trade unions and associations across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The action was initiated under Section 10(b) of the Trade Unions Act, 1926, following persistent failure by these unions to submit mandatory annual audited returns under Section 28 of the Act. These returns are required to detail a union’s income, expenditure, assets and liabilities each year.
According to the Labour Department, despite multiple notices and the introduction of a streamlined online system under the UT’s “Ease of Doing Business” initiative, the affected unions failed to comply with the legal requirements. Some unions have reportedly been inactive for over a decade.
“This action has been taken after due process and sufficient notice,” said Charandeep Singh. “Non-filing of returns is a serious statutory violation and signals either prolonged inactivity or operational cessation. We aim to ensure that only active, transparent, and accountable trade unions are recognised in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Officials stated that the move was part of a broader effort to enhance labour governance and strengthen credible trade unionism in the region. The cancellation is intended to filter out defunct or non-operational entities, thereby improving the functioning and integrity of worker representation mechanisms.
These cancellations, however, are subject to judicial review and the outcome of any writ petitions pending before the competent courts.
