Date:30/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/30/stories/2008083060510500.htm

New Delhi

Plantation Labour Act to be amended

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The government on Friday approved the introduction of the Plantations Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2008 in Parliament for making amendments to the Indian Plantation Labour Act, 1951 to provide a mechanism for ensuring the safety, health and wealth of the about one million plantation workers (as per the International Labour Organisation’s estimates) in the country.

“The working conditions of labourers in the plantations have left a lot to be desired. Therefore, we have decided to set up a mechanism to provide for their safety, health and wealth,” Union Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal told journalists after a Cabinet meeting.

The government plans to amend the definition of family to remove the distinction between a female and a male worker.