STANDING LABOUR COMMITTEE MEETING CALLS FOR TRENGTHENING SOCIAL
DIALOGUE ; FIXES AGENDA FOR INDIAN LABOUR CONFERENCE
The
Standing Labour Committee at its 38th Session
held here today called for strengthening social dialogue. While
the employers’ organisations highlighted the rigidity in the labour
laws, the trade union leaders said that it was unfair to blame
labour alone as industry was equally responsible for not being
competitive. The meeting discussed in detail the present employment
scenario. Both sides highlighted the importance of skill building
and training to increase employment opportunities for the increasing
workforce. The problems of small scale industries were highlighted
during the meeting. It was of the view that special attention
should be given to combat high incidence of sickness in this sector.
There are about 2.53 lakh small scale units suffering from industrial
sickness or weakness. The need for widening social safety net
was also highlighted. The Government’s policy of disinvestment
came in for particular criticism. The workers representatives
wanted detailed discussion on the subject despite clarifications
being given by he representatives of department of disinvestment.
They wanted that apart from the Labour Minister, other concerned
Ministers should also be invited to the forthcoming Indian Labour
Conference in order to make it more meaningful.
The SLC also decided
the following Agenda for the Indian Labour Conference :
- Impact
of globalisation on the Indian economy particularly on employment
and how to meet the challenges.
- Social safety net.
- Disinvestment policy of Government.
- Problems and challenges being faced
by small scale industries and their remedie
