(a)whether the Government is aware that some State Governments have extended the working hours to make up production loss due to lockdown and if so, the details thereof;
(b)whether the Union Government has held any consultations with States in this regard;
(c)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d)the details of the objections raised by the several trade unions across the country?
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) to (c): The Factories Act, 1948, inter-alia, has provisions for working hours of the workers employed in a factory registered under the Act. During existing pandemic, Ministry of Labour & Employment has received the draft Ordinances/Bills form different State Governments through Ministry of Home Affairs regarding amendment in the existing provisions including extension of working hours under the Factories Act, 1948. This Ministry has not agreed to proposals for extending working hours.
(d): Amendment in the labour laws is a continuous and ongoing process. Any amendment in the labour law is drafted after following the process of tripartite consultation involving various stakeholders i.e., trade unions, employers representatives and State Governments.
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