The Diocese of Gulbarga organized a significant seminar on New Labour Codes on 12 February 2026 at Sugyan, aiming to equip educational, religious, and social institutions with clarity on the evolving legal framework governing employment and institutional administration. The programme was conducted by the Commissions for Social Concerns and Education under the guidance of Fr. Steevan and Fr. Victor.
The seminar was graced by the presence of Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, along with Fr. Santhosh Bapu, Vicar General of the Diocese, and Fr. Steavan Veigas, Commission Secretary for Education. Their presence underscored the Diocese’s commitment to ensuring that its institutions remain legally compliant, ethically responsible, and mission-focused.
The event was organized by the Gulbarga Diocesan Education Society in collaboration with the concerned diocesan commissions. Around 80 participants from various NGOs and educational institutions of the Diocese actively took part in the seminar, making it a meaningful and enriching learning experience.
The resource person for the day, Adv. Fr. Vincent Pereira, Advocate of the Gulbarga Diocese, delivered a comprehensive and practical lecture on the four New Labour Codes and allied laws. In his detailed presentation, he explained the significant changes introduced in the areas of wages, ESI, PF, gratuity, professional tax, leave policies, statutory registers, registration procedures, social security, labour welfare, and occupational safety, health, and working conditions.
Fr. Vincent emphasized that even charitable and religious institutions are fully accountable under the new legal regime. He pointed out that the present system demands proper documentation, written appointment letters, structured wage systems, maintenance of statutory records, and adherence to safety and welfare norms. Ignorance of the law, he cautioned, can expose institutions to serious liabilities and penalties, especially in an era of digital inspections and stricter enforcement.
The seminar highlighted that compliance with labour laws is not merely a statutory obligation but also a reflection of justice, transparency, and respect for the dignity of workers—values deeply rooted in the Church’s social teaching. Participants were encouraged to adopt proactive compliance mechanisms and strengthen administrative systems to safeguard their institutions.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment among diocesan institutions to remain legally secure and administratively sound, ensuring that their noble mission of education and social service continues with credibility and confidence.
