Whereas the Central Government is satisfied that the public interest so requires that the services

## Policy Analysis Report: Extension of Public Utility Service Status for Bhartiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran P Limited **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Labour and Employment extending the public utility service status for the Bhartiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran P Limited (BRBNMPL) for another six months. This extension, based on the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, aims to maintain uninterrupted operation of the currency printing facilities at Mysore, Karnataka, and Salboni, West Bengal, deemed crucial for public interest. The key finding is the continued importance placed on BRBNMPL's operations by the Central Government. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of the Ministry of Labour and Employment's notification regarding the extension of public utility service status for the Bhartiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran P Limited. This analysis is based solely on the content of the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is an amendment (extension) of a previous notification, S.O. 463(E), dated 30th January, 2020, which also declared the services in BRBNMPL to be a public utility service. * **Core Objective:** To ensure the uninterrupted provision of services related to currency printing by BRBNMPL, deemed essential for the public interest. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification extends the previously granted public utility service status. The rationale for this specific amendment (extension) is that the Central Government remains of the opinion that the public interest requires the continuation of this status for BRBNMPL's operations. The initial declaration and subsequent extensions suggest a continuing need to prevent disruptions in currency production. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is an amendment, extending the previous notification S.O. 463(E), dated 30th January, 2020. * **What is Being Changed:** The period for which BRBNMPL's services are designated as a public utility service is being extended. * **New Rule/Provision:** The services in BRBNMPL are declared a public utility service for a period of six months, effective from the date of publication of this notification (January 29, 2021). * **Effect of the Change:** This extension maintains the legal framework that allows the government to intervene in labor disputes within BRBNMPL more readily than in other industries, potentially preventing strikes or lockouts that could disrupt currency production. This is due to the Industrial Disputes Act's provisions related to public utility services. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The directly affected audience includes: * The management and employees of Bhartiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran P Limited (Mysore, Karnataka and Salboni, West Bengal). * Trade unions operating within BRBNMPL. * The Ministry of Labour and Employment. * Indirectly, the general public, as the availability of currency is essential for economic activity. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Labour and Employment is responsible for issuing and enforcing the notification. * **Timelines:** The extension is valid for six months from the date of publication of the notification (January 29, 2021). This implies the need for a review and potential further extension before the end of that period. * The changes specifically invoke the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, which outlines specific procedures that must be followed regarding dispute resolution in public utility services. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this extension is to ensure the continued uninterrupted operation of BRBNMPL's currency printing facilities. By maintaining the "public utility service" designation, the government aims to mitigate the risk of labor-related disruptions affecting currency supply. The impact of this amendment is primarily preventative, aiming to avoid potential negative consequences rather than creating new opportunities. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Labour and Employment's notification extends the public utility service status for Bhartiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran P Limited for another six months. This decision reflects the government's continued prioritization of uninterrupted currency production and its reliance on the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, to achieve this objective. The notification underscores the strategic importance of BRBNMPL's operations to the Indian economy.

Key Entities Referenced