The Hindu : Front Page : Directive to enforce Act for workers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 05, 2005

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Front Page

Directive to enforce Act for workers

Special Correspondent

Contractors told to ensure decent accommodation for migrant labourers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The contractors and sub-contractors who employ migrant workers should compulsorily obtain licence from the authority as per the provisions of the Migrant Workers Act and the Contract Workers Act.

According to a circular issued here on Friday by Labour Commissioner S. Sreenivasan, the District Labour Officers (DLOs) of the enforcement wing, headquarters DLOs and the Labour Commissioner were empowered to issue the licence. Registration certificate should also be obtained from the DLO (Enforcement) under the Kerala Construction Workers Act. The workers should be employed in the manner specified by these laws and rules.

The working hours were fixed as eight. The workers should be allowed to rest for at least 30 minutes during the break. Additional wages should be given for additional work. A day's paid leave should be given every week. The wages given should not be below the minimum wages. The notice regarding rate of wages, the date on which the wages would be given and the inspector's name in English and in a language known to the workers should be exhibited. A copy of it should be given to the Labour Inspector. The muster roll and the two registers connected to it should be maintained scrupulously. Photo affixed identity cards should be given to all migrant workers.

The contractor should also ensure decent accommodation for the migrant workers. Rooms as per the specifications of the law and rules should be provided for living. Water for drinking and bathing and adequate toilet facilities should also be provided. There should be separate toilet facilities for male and female workers. The surroundings should also be clean as per public health norms.

The law also provides for canteen facilities. The migrant workers should be provided the food they were used to. Refreshments should be provided during work. All migrant workers should also be compulsorily subjected to medical test. The services of the primary health centres and the DMO could be sought for the purpose. In case of illness, expert treatment should be provided. There should also be arrangements for providing emergency treatment if the situation warranted it.

The circular asked all contractors to implement these conditions if they had not done so already. The Labour Commissioner directed the Labour Inspectors to ensure that these conditions are implemented.

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