- There is a need to recognize that the present labour laws are unable to look into the interests of the labour force
- We have suggested some flexibility in working hours. Nothing should be done that may lead to the exploitation of workers
Workers, especially those in the unorganized sector, need a specific policy capable of protecting their interests. Such a policy cannot be relegated to the future, says Bhartruhari Mahtab, the chairperson of the standing committee on labour.
In an interview given to Mint, the senior leader of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) further said the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979, has become redundant as it does not protect the interests of migrant workers in any way. According to Mahtab, the country seems to have woken up to the miseries of workers after they started walking home during the lockdown without food, shelter or employment. Edited excerpts:
The labour committee is required to submit its report on Code on Social Security Bill, 2019, at the beginning of monsoon session. Will the committee be able to submit its report in time?
Our attempt is to submit the report on social security code within the time that has been provided to the committee. Yes, there has been some difficulty in collating information from domain experts, but whatever queries were there have been duly answered. I have already asked our secretariat to draft the report, and I believe it would be ready in a week or so.
Source: livemint
