(a) whether the Government has not ratified some of the important ILO
conventions such as freedom of association, collective bargaining and protection of child labour; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor?
(a) whether the Government has not ratified some of the important ILO
conventions such as freedom of association, collective bargaining and protection of child labour; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): Government of India follows the policy of ratifying the ILO Convention only when the existing laws and practices are in full conformity with the provision of said convention. The main reason for non-ratification of Convention No.87 concerning Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize and Convention No.98 concerning Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, is due to certain restrictions imposed on the Government servants and granting of certain rights for the Government employees that are prohibited under the statutory rules, namely, to strike work, to openly criticize Government policies, to freely accept financial contribution, to freely join foreign organizations etc. Government of India has not ratified ILO Convention No. 138 concerning Minimum Age for entry to Employment & Work and Convention No. 182 concerning Worst Forms of Child Labour because according to the conventions, minimum age of entry to any kind of employment or work which is likely to affect health, safety and morale of young persons shall not be less than 18 years. Whereas, at present, according to the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, the employment of children below 14 years of age is prohibited in certain occupations and processes.
*******