Consultations begin to prepare comprehensive labour policy

The labour department has begun the consultation process with various stake holders to gather inputs for a comprehensive labour policy that will cover both the organised and unorganised sector.

This is the first time a policy initiative has been taken for the labour sector, which is governed by an array of central and State legislations.

“We have started the consultation process with trade unions, employers, industrialists, industry bodies among others for their feedback and inputs for the policy. The basic framework of the policy will be completed in two to three weeks. We plan to come out with the policy document after another round of consultation and discussion,” Labour Commissioner D S Vishwanath told Deccan Herald.

The labour department will also consult other related departments including industries, urban development, rural development and panchayat raj, agriculture marketing among others.

He said the policy will be progressive, reflect the changing times and will cover both the organised and unorganised sector with a focus on giving a thrust to the economy.

The officer said the policy will fix responsibilities of various stakeholders like the employees, employers and officials of the department. The State’s policy will go into various micro-level aspects of the labour sector including creating more employment opportunities, skill based training programmes to improve employability among others.

Tamil Nadu, first state
Vishwanath said not many states in the country have comprehensive labour policies. Karnataka’s neighbour Tamil Nadu was among the first states to come out with a  policy for labour and employment. 

The Tamil Nadu policy for instance covers industrial relations, labour welfare board, unorganised workers labour welfare board, consumer protection, eradication of child labour, industrial safety and health issues, vocational guidance activities and private sector placements. It also deals with skill development initiatives, apprenticeship training schemes, Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) and Employees State Insurance (ESI).
Asked whether the State government will amend various legislations pertaining to the labour sector like the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, Karnataka Industrial Establishment Act, 1963, Karnataka Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1965, Vishwa nath said a final decision in this regard can be taken after the completion of the consultation process and after taking the view of labour and legal experts.

DH News Service