Question : Wages paid to labourers by BRO

(a) the minimum wage standards paid to labourers hired for the border road constructions along with the criteria fixed by the Border Road Organization (BRO) regarding wages to be paid to the labourers;
(b) whether BRO hires labourers only for six months and if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the total number of labourers hired by BRO, State/UT-wise along with the facilities provided to them;
(d) whether BRO follows the central labour laws in taking such measures for labourers and if so, the details thereof;
(e) the procedure relating to providing salary to the labourers; and
(f) whether BRO proposes to provide monthly salary to labourers and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI AJAY BHATT)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a): The wages for labourers in BRO are fixed at the level of Projects Headquarters of BRO keeping in view the minimum wagesfixed by the concerned State Government and the Central Government from time to time. The wages are further enhanced considering the altitude and difficulty in working conditions of the area of employment.

(b) BRO hires labourers as per workload in the area.

(c) TheState/UT wise details of no. of labourers hired by BRO during the last five years are given as per Annexure.

The mainfacilities provided to the labourers are:

(i) Wages are paid directly into theirrespective Aadhaar linked bank accounts.

(ii) Free outdoor medical facilities are provided to the labourers in BROmaintained medical facilities and at Army medical units in high altitudeareas. Free transport, including Air evacuation if warranted, is provided to labourers up toTertiary care hospitals. In addition, expenditure is made for any emergency,out of welfare funds.

(iii) Free accommodation in shelter/tents including snow tents is providedapart from provisioning of suitable clothing to overcome the vagaries ofclimate.

(iv) At certain super high altitude locations in Ladakh, labour is providedwith free ration and kerosene for cooking and warming purpose.

(v) Free transportation from place of living to work site and back.

(vi) In the case of death/disablement attributable to work, Ex-gratia lumpsum payment in terms of Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923 aredone.

(vii) Electricity, clean drinking water and sanitation facilities are being provided to labourers in camps.

(d): Yes, Sir. Relevant laws are followed.
(e) & (f): The salary, calculated as per total attendance of the labourers at the end of month, is being deposited in Aadhaar linked Bank Account of all enrolled labourers after due audit and verification.

*****