(a) whether the Government is considering flexible labour laws to boost manufacturing in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps being taken for the protection of labour rights to prevent exploitation of workers in the country?
MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE)
(a) to (c): Labour laws are reviewed/updated by the Government on a continuous basis and amendments are made from time
to time taking into account the emerging needs of the economy including that of the manufacturing sector while ensuring
that the interests of workers are fully protected. Recent amendments carried out to protect the Interest of workers
include those under the Employees` Compensation Act, 1923, the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, the Employees` State
Insurance Act, 1948, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 etc. With a view to promoting harmonious industrial relations, the
Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 was also amended to, inter-alia, establish a Grievance Redressal Machinery and to provide
direct access to workmen to approach the Labour Court for certain types of disputes.