(a)the estimated number of workers in hazardous occupation including mining and construction sector in the country including Rajasthan;
(b)whether the Government has implemented any welfare schemes particularly for such workers in hazardous occupations;
(c)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d)the other steps taken by the Government for the safety, health and welfare of workers in such hazardous occupation?
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)
(a): The estimated number of workers in country working in hazardous process industries in the factories registered under the Factories Act, 1948, for the year 2012 was 23,80,200, which includes 1,20,390 in Rajasthan alone. Further the average daily employment in Coal, Metaliferous and Oil mines in the country during 2012 (latest available) was 5,61,423 out of which 27,997 were in Rajasthan. Also as per estimates of National Sample Survey (2011-12), about 50.22 million building and other construction workers were estimated in India including 5.34 million construction workers estimated in Rajasthan.
(b) to (d): There is separate Chapter on welfare under the Factories Act, 1948, and the provisions include washing facilities, facilities for storing and drying clothing, and facilities for sitting, first-aid appliances, canteen, shelters, rest rooms and lunch rooms, Crèches, welfare officer and enabling provision for the State Government to make Rules to supplement this Chapter. The provisions of the Factories Act, 1948 and State Factories Rules framed there under are enforced by the respective State Governments / Union Territories through the State Factories Directorate/Inspectorates. The State Governments / Union Territories ensure that the provisions contained therein are compiled by the occupiers of the factories including the hazardous process industries.
In addition to above, under the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) Act, 1996, every State Government has to constitute a State Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. The functions of the Board include providing welfare and social security measures such as immediate assistance to a beneficiary in case of accident, payment of pension to the beneficiaries who have completed the age of 60 years, loan and advances for construction of a house, paying amount in connection with premia for Group Insurance Scheme etc.