The Parliamentary
Consultative Committee of the Labour Ministry met here today
under the chairmanship of the Minister for Labour, Dr. Sahib
Singh and deliberated exclusively on Draft of the Umbrella Legistation
on unorganised sector.
A detailed
visual presentation on the subject formed part of the deliberations.
The one hour presentation highlighted the need for providing
social security to these deprived sections of society. The workers
in this sector are exploited as they are illiterate, migrant,
scattered and as there is almost no employer-employee relationship.
The presentation also stressed the point that the concept of
social security within the purview of the proposed legislation
is in consonance with the recommendations of the Second Labour
Commission. During the presentation it was explained that some
of the important legislations which provide welfare measures
to the unorganised sector include Minimum Wages Act, 1948; the
Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923; the Maternity Benefit Act,
1961; the Employees State Insurance Act, 1948; the Payment of
Gratuity Act, 1972; the Equal Remuneration Act 1976; the Beedi
and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966; etc.
The members
were also informed that the recommendations of the Second National
Commission in the matter of umbrella legislation for unorganised
sector workers were discussed in the 38th Session
of the Indian Labour Conference on 28-29th September,
2002 as well in the National Seminar on the subject on 7-8th
November, 2002. There have been several rounds of discussion
on the subject within and outside the Ministry as well. The
Union Labour Minister has also held discussions with the Central
Trade Union Organisations (CTUOs), employers organisations and
representatives of the States. Similarly, the Ministry has obtained
views of the State Government as well. Further, this was also
discussed with the State Labour Secretaries in a meeting on
23rd of January this year. These views obtained from
various sources are being processed. However, based on the discussions
held in the 38th Session of Indian Labour Conference,
the National Seminar and the recommendations of the Second National
Commission on Labour and the views of the employees and employers'
organisations and the States, a draft Bill has been prepared.
The bill will be introduced in the coming session of Parliament.
The main features
of the Draft Bill include: provision of minimum economic and
social security; provision of old age/invalidity benefits, group
insurance, medical and sickness benefits and employment injury
benefits; registration of unorganised workers and issue of identity
cards; creation of a Central Board for unorganised workers;
creation of State Boards, State Welfare Boards and Employment
based Welfare Boards, District Boards and Workers Facilitation
Centres (WFCs) for unorganised workers; and creation of Welfare
Funds on the basis of cess and contribution.
Cutting across
party lines, members highly commended the labour ministry's
efforts to provide social security to unorganised sectors workers
engaged in 122 occupations/activities. Members also offered
suggestions to enlarge the scope of these occupations and activities
by including occupations relating to computer, nursery, local
bodies, hospitals etc.etc. The members also offered suggestions
regarding constitution of the Central Board and State Boards.
The Labour Minister Dr. Sahib Singh assured the members that
the matter will be looked into.
Apart from
Parliamentarians, the Minister of State for Labour Shri Vijay
Goel, Labour Secretary and senior officers of the Labour Ministry
also attended the meeting.
