Question : REGULAR AND CONTRACT LABOUR

(a)whether there is a huge difference in the number of regular and contract labourers in the country;

(b)if so, the comparative difference of these labourers during each of the last three years and the current year;

(c)whether the financial and social status of contract labourers is more pitiable in comparison to regular workers;

(d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(e)whether any special promotional scheme is being formulated by the Government for contract labourers in the country; and

(f)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL, MINES, LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI VISHNU DEO SAI)

(a) & (b): No centralized data is maintained in this regard.

(c) & (d): The interest of contract labourers in terms of wages and other service conditions are safeguarded under the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970. As far as the security in term of wages is concerned, as per Rule 25(2)
(v)(a) of the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Central Rules, 1971 , the wages of the contract labour shall not be less than the rates prescribed under Minimum Wages Act, 1948 and in cases where the contract workers perform the same or similar kind of work as the workmen directly employed by the principal employer of the establishment, the wage rates, holidays , hours of work and other conditions of service shall be the same as applicable to the workmen directly employed by the principal employer doing the same or similar kind of work. The liability to ensure payment of wages and other benefits is primarily that of the contractor and, in case of default, that of the principal employer.

The Social Security aspects of contract labourers under Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provision Act, 1952 and Employees state Insurance Act, 1948 are enforced by the Employees Provident Fund organization and Employees State Insurance Corporation respectively provided the establishments in which contract labourers are working are covered under the said Acts.

(e) & (f): The Social Welfare Schemes of the Government are also applicable to the Contract Labourers if they fulfil the conditions of the Scheme to be eligible for the benefits of a particular Scheme. However, the interests of Contract Workers are protected specifically under Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970.