Press Statement of Labour and Employment Minister Outlining 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.”
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