Question : LABOUR INTENSIVE POLICY



(a) whether there is a need to adopt a labour intensive policy to achieve 9 per cent annual growth rate in the country; and

(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI MUNI LALL)

(a) & (b) : It is recognized by the Government that step up in the existing rate of growth in the economy on sustainable basis is possible only with creation of more employment opportunities for the workforce. As part of the planning exercise, certain labour intensive sectors/economic activities, having more employment generation potential, have been identified for special attention and higher public investment. These include irrigation and rural infrastructure. Other labour intensive sectors identified in the 9th Five Year Plan are horticulture, plantation, animal husbandry and dairying in the farm sector and textiles industry, village and small industries, handloom, sericulture and construction in the non-farm sector.