(a)whether the Government is aware of thousands of tea plantation workers facing low
wages, job insecurity and malnutrition in the country and often committing suicides;
(b)if so, the State-wise details thereof;
(c)whether the Government is taking any action/remedial measures in this regard; and
(d)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH)
(a) to (d): Under the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Plantation Sector
falls in the State Sphere, where the State Governments/Union Territory Administration are
the appropriate Governments. 17 States/Union Territory Administration have notified tea
plantation as a scheduled employment under the Minimum Wages Act and fixed rates of
minimum wages under their respective jurisdiction. On the basis of available
information, the rates of minimum wages for Tea Plantation workers is at Annexure-I.
The enforcement of the Act is carried out by the respective State Enforcement Machinery.
The details of the enforcement of Minimum Wages Act, 1948 for the year 2010-11 is annexed (Annexure II).