NAHAN: Himachal Pradesh government was very soon going to enact a new law to curve on going practice in the industries to engage labour through contractors to evade the provisions under the labour and industrial laws in the state. Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Mr Virbhadra Singh made this announcement while interacting with the media persons of Sirmour district through video conferencing organized here today.
Chief Minister made it clear that he was well aware of all happenings in the industrial sectors. He further said that government policy for the welfare of factory workers and to ensure up to 70 percent employment to Himachalies would be implemented in letter and sprit. He said that although the figures supplied by the Labour department shows that seventy to eighty percent Himachali workers have been employed by the factories but to cross check this fact which does not match with the reports received from different sources he was going to order a fresh survey in this regard.
Taking a tough stand in the matter he made it clear that engagement of workers through contractors, just to douse the provisions of law would not be tolerate at any cost. He warned that any industrialist found not complying with the provisions laid in the states industrial policy would be punished. He said that new law having one of the provisions to impose a complete ban on hiring labour through contractors was being prepared and hoped that it would be enacted shortly.
Replying another question, Chief Minister said that he was well aware that poor and eligible persons at many places have failed to get their names included in the list of IRDP and Antodaya while some well to do persons have managed IRDP status. Going in to the root of trouble he said that this mess was done during BJP regime and several agencies were involved in conducting the IRDP survey. But his government had made a number of efforts for the revision of this list. He announced that Himachal was first state in the country which has provided unlimited time to the poor and entitled families to file their claims for the inclusion in the list of IRDP.
Announcing another extension of three months CM asked poor and eligible families to file their claims, in the General House of their Panchyats, before SDM or before Deputy Commissioner of the area for the inclusion of their name in the IRDP within this time frame. He asked people to come forward with the names of those who does not deserve IRDP benefits, their names would be struck out after inquiry and there was no time frame fixed for this submission.
Chief Minister said that he would encourage if any proposal is received by private players or government of India for the revival of Nahan foundry. He also announced that he would sanction money for new water supply scheme for Nahan as soon as any such proposal is received.
Working as district correspondent with The Tribune & Danik Tribune in Sirmour.
