Question : SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOURERS

(a) whether the shortage of labour in various sectors particularly of farm labour is being constantly felt in the country during the last few years;

(b) if so, whether the implementations of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has diverted such farm labourers to other sectors of jobs causing widespread labour scarcity resulting in the rise of wages in the agricultural sector;

(c) if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH)

(a) No such survey has been conducted by Ministry of Labour and Employment. However, as per National Sample Survey Office Report, 2009-10, about 95 lakh persons were estimated to be unemployed in the country.

(b) to (d) There is no definite finding regarding shortage of labour due to implementation of MGNREGA in various sectors. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provides a guarantee of 100 days employment during a year to the adult members of the rural households who are willing to do unskilled manual work. The wages under the MGNREGA are linked to the Agriculture Price index for agriculture labourers. The demand and supply of labour for various sectors of the economy depends upon several factors such as wage rates, economic prospects, absorption capacity, regional and climatic conditions and demographic profile of the work force. However, prescribing wages under MGNREGA does provide an option to a labour to work on a project paying better remuneration.