Question : EXPLOITATION OF LABOURERS

(a) the number of workers/labourers working in various industries/institutions in the country, State-wise and company-wise;

(b) whether the Government has prepared any scheme for the safety and welfare of such workers;

(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the number of workers benefited therefrom;

(d) whether these workers are being exploited continuously in various institutions including Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), New Delhi;

(e) if so, the details thereof alongwith the action taken by the Government in this regard;

(f) whether there is a proposal to amend/ review the labour laws keeping in view the problems of such labourers; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE)

(a): The industry-wise/company-wise employment details of the workers employed are not maintained centrally. As per the information received from the Chief Inspector of Factories of the States and Union Territories, the State-wise details of employment in registered factories during the year 2008, 2009 and 2010 are given at Annexure-I.

(b)&(c): Adequate statutory provisions for safety and welfare of workers already exist under the various labour laws. The Government of India has declared the National Policy on Safety, Health and Environment at Workplace on 20th February, 2009. State Governments also undertake various educational and promotional activities such as training of employees, celebration of safety weeks etc.

Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI), an attached office of Ministry of Labour and Employment also conducts training programmes on safety and health for target beneficiaries such as safety officers, factory medical officers, factory inspectors, workers, supervisors and executives. Details of Training Programmes and Studies done by DGFASLI are given at Annexure-II.

The data in respect of the workers who have benefited from these initiatives is not maintained centrally.

(d)&(e): Regular inspections are conducted under various Labour Laws which lay down norms for health and welfare of worker in order to safeguard their interest. Appropriate action is taken by the Inspecting Authorities including initiating prosecution cases against defaulters under the labour laws. As per the information available, no complaint pertaining to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), New Delhi has been received.

The details of enforcement of Labour Laws including inspections, irregularities observed and prosecution cases filed under various Labour Laws in the Central Sphere Establishments are given at Annexure-III.

The details of prosecution and convictions under the Factories Act, 1948 are given at Annexure IV.

(f)&(g): The statutory provisions are reviewed from time to time and necessary amendments are enacted.