Question : Salt Harvesting Terrains

(a)whether it is a fact that the labourforce working at salt harvesting terrains comprises of both men and women and often require them to carry upto 80 loads of salt crystals weighing up to 25kgs on their heads;
(b)whether the Government is aware of added health risks like severe dizziness, high UV exposure, pregnancy and uterus related issues affecting women along with kiddy and retinal issues, within the salt pan industry at Thoothukudi district due to the intensive and harsh working conditions and if so, the details thereof; and
(c)whether the Government has any plans to introduce any schemes specially for the women in this sector and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a): The Government has enacted the Factories Act, 1948, for ensuring the occupational safety, health and welfare of the workers employed in the factories registered under the Factories Act, 1948. Further, Model Rules have also been framed under the Factories Act, 1948. As per Rule 64 of the Model Rules, no women or young person shall, unaided by another person, lift carry or move by hand or on head any material, article , tool or appliance exceeding the maximum limit in weight set out is as follows:
Contd..2/-
:: 2 ::

Persons Maximum weight of material Article, tool or appliance
Adult male 55 Kilograms
Adult female 30 Kilograms
Adolescent male 30 Kilograms
Adolescent female 20 Kilograms
Male child 16 Kilograms
Female child 14 Kilograms

The Occupiers and Managers of the factories registered under the Factories Act, 1948 are responsible for compliance of the provisions of the Act and the Rules framed thereunder.
(b): No particular health issue of salt pan industry workers has been reported to the Ministry of Labour & Employment.

(c): The Government has recently introduced Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan, a voluntary and contributory pension Scheme, for the benefit of unorganised workers including women in all sectors, as per the eligibility. The scheme envisages the minimum monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- to the beneficiaries after attaining the age of 60 years. All unorganised workers, in the age group of 18-40 years, whose monthly income is up to Rs. 15000/- and who are not income tax payers, are eligible to enrol under the Scheme. The subscriber is required to pay the prescribed monthly contribution amount and the Central Government provides the equal matching contribution.

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