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Friday, Jul 06, 2007
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Cabinet nod for added protocol with Qatar

Special Correspondent

Also approves MoU with Kuwait on manpower development

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved an additional protocol with Qatar on regulation of employment of Indians and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on labour, employment and manpower development with Kuwait.

The additional protocol provides for several initiatives to promote the welfare of Indian workers in Qatar. Among other things, it will enlarge the mandate of a joint committee in terms of promotion of emigration to that country. It stipulates that the panel will meet twice a year alternately in India and Qatar.

The additional protocol has the provision that if Qatar decides to repatriate any Indian worker prematurely, it will ensure payment of full wages and other entitlements, under the contracts of employment and law, to the worker for the entire un-availed period of contract.

Also, Qatar will promulgate law for the unorganised sector and take appropriate steps to curb malpractices by intermediaries and unscrupulous employers.

A press release said Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi would shortly visit Qatar to sign the additional protocol.

The enactment of law for the unorganised sector would be a breakthrough, as a large number of Indian workers do not have any protection under that country’s labour law. In particular, it would benefit women domestic workers and other vulnerable sections, the release added.

Term extended

Chaired by Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, the Cabinet approved extension of the term of the second Administrative Reforms Commission by seven months (up to March 31, 2008.) Headed by Congress leader, Veerappa Moily, the commission has, so far, submitted five reports. It proposes to submit 14 more on various aspects of administrative reforms.

The Cabinet also approved continuation of the National Mission on Bamboo Application till November 2009, within the approved outlay of Rs.100 crore. The mission, which has been in operation since November 2004, has so far created a base for economic activities with an annual turnover of over Rs. 270 crore. It has provided employment to 25.2 million mandates in extraction, processing, and value addition in bamboo growing areas across the country.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs also met on Thursday and approved the continuation of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Project for five years up to March 2012 in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttaranchal at a cost of Rs. 92 crores.

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