(a) whether the conference of State Labour Ministers was
recently held at New Delhi;
(b) if so, the details of the issues discussed;
(c) the details of major policy decisions taken on problems
concerning workers
in organised and unorganised sector
particularly agricultural workers; and
(d) the action taken to eradicate bonded labour system
prevailing in some parts
of rural areas?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT ( SHRI MUNI LALL )
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. A State Labour Ministers` Conference
was held on 18.1.2000
in New Delhi to discuss the draft
legislation for agricultural workers.
(c): The proposal for a central legislation for the welfare of
agricultural workers
is being re-examined on the basis of the
views/comments received in the said Conference.
(d): The bonded labour system has been abolished throughout the
country w.e.f. 25.10.1975
under Bonded Labour System (Abolition)
Ordinance, 1975 subsequently replaced by an Act of
Parliament.
The Act is being implemented by the State Governments. The
Government has
issued detailed guidelines to the State Governments
for effective implementation of the
Act. With a view to
supplement the efforts of the State Governments in rehabilitating
the released bonded labourers, the Ministry of Labour is operating
a Centrally Sponsored
Scheme since 1978 under which financial
assistance upto the ceiling limit of Rs. 10,000/-
is given for
the rehabilitation of each released bonded labourer.