(a) whether tendu leaf workers are reportedly being exploited;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the rates of wages for skilled, semi-skilled and proficient workers related to this industry;
(d) whether the Government is contemplating to increase the wages of these workers; and
(e) if so, the details thereof alongwith the other facilities provided by the Government for above workers?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU)
(a) & (b): No, Sir. No such report has been received. However, there may be some violation of Minimum Wages Act, 1948 or other Acts applicable to such workers, which are to be enforced by respective State Governments.
(c) & (d): As the occupation related to tendu leaf workers falls under the State sphere, the rates of minimum wages are reviewed/revised by the appropriate Government as per the provisions of Minimum Wages Act, 1948. As per the available information, rates of minimum wages for tendu leaf workers are as below:-
State Name of Schedule Rate of wages employment Category
Bihar Plucking Processing Unskilled/male 68 of Tendu Leaves Munshi 70 Supervisor or Checker 84
Orissa Kendu Leaf collection Unskilled 55 Semi-skilled 65 Skilled 75 Highly skilled 85