Question : BUILDING AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WELFARE CESS ACT, 1996

(a) whether the Government propose to convene a meeting of all the State Labour Ministers for the implementation of the Building and other Construction Workers` Welfare Cess Act, 1996 and the Building and other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Servic

(e) Act, 1996;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is not mandatory for the State Governments to implement these Central Acts and to frame rules; and

(d) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

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

(a): No, Sir.

(b): Does not arise.

(c) & (d): The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 (Main Act) and the Building and Other Construction Workers` Welfare Cess Act, 1996 extend to the whole of India. Section 63 of the Main Act provides that nothing contained in this Act shall affect the operation of any corresponding law in a State providing welfare schemes which are more beneficial to the building and other construction workers than those provided under the Act. The power to frame rules under the Main Act lies with the appropriate government. The States have been advised to implement these Acts and the matter is being regularly followed up.