New Initiatives for Welfare of Workers

Following is the press statement of Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, MoS(IC) Labour and Employment-

“Government is pained to notice some views expressed to oppose Labour Reforms. The new Government has from day one committed to all encompassing welfare of workers in true sense rather than giving false hopes by issuing mere statements.

The Government is fully committed to ensure Employment security, wage security and social security for every worker whether in organised or Un-organised sector.

During the last one and a half year, the new Government has taken concrete steps and new initiatives to strengthen the position of workers.

After assuming office, new Government has not only announced a minimum pension of Rs.1000/- per month but has implemented it in perpetuity. Almost 20 lakh persons are benefitted by this act of the new Government The last Government just before elections had made some announcement in respect of minimum pension without making any provision in the Budget. No order was ever issued by the previous Government.

The new Government has also taken far reaching welfare measure for the workers by obtaining approval of the cabinet for enhancing ceiling for bonus from Rs.3500/- to Rs.7000/- or minimum wages whichever is higher. Further eligibility limit has also been enhanced from Rs.10,000/- to Rs.21,000/- per month.

The Government is also proposing to make changes in Labour Laws and replacing 44 central Labour laws with 4 (four) Labour Codes. This is being done with the sole purpose of facilitating small and medium Entrepreneurs especially young entrepreneurs to set up enterprises in every nook and corner of the country without any hassles. This is necessary for creation of Employment opportunities in this country so that almost 10 million people who are joining work force every year can be given an opportunity to live a dignified and self respecting life.

In facts these 44 Central Labour Laws are being amalgamated, simplified and rationalised. Not only this, special attention has been paid for the safety, security and Hygiene of every worker. None of the proposed Labour Law either directly or indirectly has taken away any of the rights of the worker. Rather their rights are being further strengthened.

It has been reported in the media that this Government is threatening workers or tweaking Labour Laws to reduce the scope for industrial jobs. Such reports are based on surmises and presumptions and not based on facts and without going through the Labour Laws. On the contrary all Labour issues are being addressed through tripartite consultations with the sole aim of creating jobs, skills and strengthening safely, security and Hygiene for the workers.

In view of the changing social and economic conditions, it is necessary that we align our Laws and Rules in such a way that we create an environment that is conducive for creation of large scale Employment opportunities.

The Government considers workers as very valuable asset for the country and it is only their hard work and passion that India is growing at a very fast pace. The Hon’ble Prime Minister recently launched Shram Suvidha Portal while committing the Government’s trust in the dignity of Labour, i.e. “Shrammev Jayate.”

Moreover Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, launched a series of Health Reforms Agenda of ESIC (esic-2.0) ON 20.07.2015 on 20.07.2015 for providing improved quality health services under ESI Scheme.

Universal Account Number (UAN) was also launched by Hon’ble P.M. on 16.10.2014. This provides PF Account portable and enhances accessibility to value added services like SMS etc. to EPF subscribers who are primarily poor workers. This also helps them to track their accounts on real time basis and they don’t have to bother for anything when they change their jobs. The accounts travel with them.”

Pib