(a) whether the Government proposes to take/has taken any decision to enact a new legislation to safeguard economic interests of the migrant labourers;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) by when the said legislation is likely to be brought; and
(d) the benefits likely to be accrued to the migrant labourers there from?
MINISTER OF LABOUR (SHRI SAHIB SINGH VERMA)
(a) to (d): In order to safeguard the economic and other interests of the migrant labourers, the Government has already enacted the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979. This Act provides for regular payment of wages, minimum wages fixed under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, equal pay for equal work irrespective of sex, displacement allowance, journey allowance, suitable residential accommodation, prescribed medical facilities free of charge and prescribed protective clothing etc. to inter-state migrant workmen. In view of this Government has no proposal to enact a new legislation for the migrant labourers.