(a) the number of contract workers employed by Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the average daily wages paid to them;
(b) whether the Government has any proposal to bring the wages and working conditions of contract workers at par with regular employees;
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government for the welfare of contract workers in FCI?
MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)
(a): There are no contract workers engaged directly by Food Corporation of India (FCI). FCI operates through open tender for service providers to supply handling and transport services. The agreement with the contractor provides for payment of daily minimum wages to the workers engaged through contractors.
(b) & (c): At present, there is no such proposal.
(d): The agreement signed by FCI with the contractor mandates EPF, Minimum wages, ESI, Workmen compensation and welfare facilities like drinking water facilities, washing facilities, first aid facilities etc under Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970. Nodal Officers at District Office Level has been appointed to ensure compliance of various provisions under CL(R&A) Act, 1970.
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