(a) whether a large number of labourers are working in the
Railways including on contract basis;
(b) if so, the number of the said labourers as on date,
zone-wise;
(c) whether the said labourers are being given
facilities and wages as per prescribed rule;
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons
therefor; and
(e)
the details of monitoring mechanism put in place by the
Railways to ensure that the said labourers get prescribed
facilities and wages?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) & (b): Indian Railways are not directly connected with the engagement
of persons by the contractors. Therefore, such figures are not maintained in
Railways.
(c) to (e): The labourers are engaged by the contractors in different
sectors in Railways. Tender Conditions and General Conditions of
contract stipulate that a contractor shall comply with the provisions of
the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act 1970 / Rules 1971 and all
the existing provisions of the applicable labour laws. The provisions are
designed to ensure that the labourers are paid the minimum wages by the
contractors as per the notifications issued by the Central / State
Governments under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 from time to time.