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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Only States can decide on minimum wages: Kharge by D Radhakrishnan

Only States can decide on minimum wages: Kharge by D Radhakrishnan

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published Published on Oct 24, 2011   modified Modified on Oct 24, 2011

Union Labour Minister inaugurates UPASI conference

Action on representations relating to the Minimum Wages Act can only be taken by State governments, said Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mallikarjun Kharge in Coonoor on Sunday.

He was inaugurating the 118th annual conference of the United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI). Referring to the grievances of the planting community over the wage component adding considerably to the cost of production, he pointed out that the Act was need-based and the minimum wages varied from State to State. Even if the Centre amended the Act, it would not make a difference.

Stating that 44 Acts were associated with the Labour department, he said that all were in the concurrent list and representations made by State governments usually sought measures to safeguard the interests of the labourers and the industries.

Pointing out that the plantation sector was very important from the labour point of view, he said that it directly employed about 2.5 million persons and provided indirect employment to a substantial number.

Such employment is being facilitated in remote hill areas where there is no scope for other forms of work. The welfare of plantation workers is high on the list of priorities of the government.

Stating that the government should always adopt a balanced approach, Mr.Kharge said that it should ensure that the employers are not harassed and employees not exploited. Trade unions and workers must cooperate with their managements.

Unlike some other fields like construction and manufacturing, in the plantation sector workers are looked after well. Pointing out that the sector is unique vis-a-vis its labour welfare measures, he said that an inter-ministerial committee has suggested that social costs should be shared by the Central and State governments and the respective managements.

Referring to the shortage of labour in the sector, he said that it was due to the agro based economy giving way to an industrial economy. In a changing scenario, old systems should also change.

Promising that the UPA government will do whatever possible to encourage the plantation sector, he said that it should be made vibrant.

The President,UPASI C.N.Nataraj said that whatever benefits are given to the agriculture sector, these should also be extended to the plantation sector. Ways should be evolved to reduce the burden imposed on plantations by social costs.

P. Jayaprada, MP, said that in ensuring the economic well-being of the country, plantations played an important role. She hoped that in the coming session of Parliament, problems confronting the planting community will figure prominently.

P.Viswanathan, MP, said that agro-industry status should be given to tea and the Quality Upgradation subsidy extended by the Tea Board should be doubled.

Mr.Kharge distributed trophies to winners of the seventh edition of The Golden Leaf India Awards-Southern Tea Competition and released a publication of the UPASI-Tea Research Foundation. The Vice-President, UPASI, D. Hegde, proposed a vote of thanks.


The Hindu, 24 October, 2011, http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2566299.ece


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