Question : SCHEME FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH

(a) whether there was 4.7 percent increase in the slary before the economic reforms in the country, which is now reduced by 2 percent in the post reforms period;

(b) if so, the names of the States, where there has been steep fall in salaries;

(c) whether the Government propose to open certain new areas of priority in the Ninth Five Year Plan and to review the labour laws;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government have formulated any comprehensive plan to provide employment to the unemployed persons through Employment Exchanges and to seek the help of other institutions in this regard;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and (g) if not, the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI MUNI LALL)

(a) & (b) : Information on increase in salary before and after economic reforms in the country is not maintained.

(c) to (g) : A statement showing state-wise number of job-seekers, all of whom are not necessarily unemployed, on the Live Register of Employment Exchanges as on 31.8.2000 is furnished in Annexure. The Primary objective of the ninth Plan is to generate greater productive employment in the growth process itself by concentrating on sectors, sub-sectors and technologies which are more labour intensive, in regions characterised by higher rate of unemployment and underemployment. Such a strategy will benefit the unemployed persons. New areas where employment will be generated in the future are transport and tourism, information technology, communication and financial services.

Review/updation of labour laws is a continuous process and amendments/fresh legislations are made depending on the results on the review. The second National Commission on Labour set up by the Government vide resolution issued on 15.10.1999 would comprehensively review labour laws to ensure both consistency of labour laws with general changes taking place in the economic policy and also to provide for greater welfare of the working class.