Date:02/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/02/stories/2008050253091200.htm

National

“Several welfare steps taken for workers”

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The government has taken several measures for improving the conditions of the working class including introduction of the new Unorganised Sector Workers Social Security Bill, 2007 and implementation of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, a health insurance scheme for below poverty line (BPL) families.

In his message on the International Labour Day, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes said many amendments were made in the central labour laws and the eligibility for the payment of bonus was enhanced to benefit a large number of workers.

In pursuance of the government’s commitment to eliminate child labour in hazardous areas, the National Child Labour Scheme (NCLP) was extended to 250 districts. Close to 3.94 lakh children from special schools under the NCLP were mainstreamed into the formal education system.

Vocational training

Vocational training for creating a world class skilled labour force was being given top priority. The Payment of Bonus Act, the Apprentices Act and the Maternity Benefit Act were amended to provide more benefits to the workers.

Mr. Fernandes said the Ministry laid emphasis on the occupational safety and health of workers. Keeping this in mind it decided to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Factories Act, 1948 by observing 2008 as the Year of Industrial Safety and Health.