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The Motion For The Consideration Of The Code Of Wages, 2019 (Bill Passed). on 30 July, 2019

Seventeenth Loksabha > title: The motion for the consideration of the Code of Wages, 2019 (Bill Passed).

माननीयअध्यक्ष : आइटमनम्बर 7 - मजदूरीसंहिता, 2019.

श्रमऔर रोजगारमंत्रालयके राज्यमंत्री (श्रीसंतोष कुमारगंगवार): महोदय, मैंप्रस्तावकरताहूँ:

“कि मजदूरी और बोनस संबंधी विधियों का संशोधन और समेकन करने तथा उससे संसक्त या उसके आनुषंगिक विषयों का उपबंध करने वाले विधेयक पर विचार किया जाए ।” माननीयअध्यक्ष : माननीयमंत्रीजी, क्याआप कुछविषयरखनाचाहेंगे?

श्रीसंतोष कुमारगंगवार : महोदय, मैंइस संदर्भमें कुछबोलनाचाहताहूँ ।

       महोदय, अभी17वींलोक सभामें पहलीबार सांसदोंके साथसंवादमें आदरणीयप्रधानमंत्रीजी नेगरीबऔर गरीबीसे लड़नेवालेअनेकआदर्शोंको हमारेसमक्षरखा था । इन्हींआदर्शोंकी सोचको साकारकरनेवालायह मजदूरीसंहिताबिल मैंसदन मेंपेश करनाचाहताहूँ ।वर्तमानश्रमकानूनबहुतपुरानेसमय केहैं, इनमेंसे 17 श्रमकानूनतो 50 वर्षसे अधिकपुरानेहैं औरकुछ कानूनतो आजादीसे पहलेके हैं । बदलतीहुई सामाजिकऔर आर्थिकपरिस्थितिके अनुरूपइन श्रमकानूनोंको तर्कसंगत, जवाबदेहएवं पारदर्शीबनानेके लिएआदरणीयअटल जीकी सरकारने द्वितीयराष्ट्रीयश्रमआयोगका गठनकियाथा । श्रमआयोगने अपनीसिफारिशेंवर्ष2002-03 मेंसरकारको देदीं थीं, लेकिनमुझेदुख केसाथ कहनापड़ताहै किउसकेबाद, सरकारके परिवर्तनके बादअगलेदस वर्षोंतक इनसिफारिशोंपर कोईध्याननहींदियागया ।

वर्ष 2014 में आदरणीय मोदी जीकी सरकार बनने केबाद इनश्रम सुधारों कोप्राथमिकता केआधार परअपेक्षित कार्य करने केलिए लिया गया है । आजआप हमसे यहकह सकते हैं किहमारी सरकार कोपाँच साल होगए हैं औरफिर भीइतनी देर क्यों लगरही हैतो इससंदर्भ में मैं आपको बताना चाहूंगा किश्रम मंत्रालय में कोई भीपरिवर्तन करने केलिए सभी बड़े श्रमिक संगठनों, जिनकी संख्या 13 है,सभी नियोक्ताओं औरसभी राज्य सरकारों केसाथ इसके बारे में पहले चर्चा करनी पड़ती है । उसके बाद आमराय केपश्चात् हीहमारे लिए इसमें कोई परिवर्तन करना संभव होपाता है ।

       अध्यक्ष जी,इस कोड कोबनाने सेपूर्व 10 मार्च, 2015 कोपहली त्रिपक्षीय वार्ता हुई,जिसमें श्रम संगठन, नियोक्ता औरराज्य सरकारें, तीनों पक्ष शामिल हुए थे । दूसरी त्रिपक्षीय वार्ता 13 अप्रैल, 2015 कोहुई थी । इसके अतिरिक्त अनौपचारिक रूप सेभी दिन-प्रतिदिन कोई नकोई शिष्टमंडल इससंदर्भ में मेरे पास आता रहा औरउनसे मिलकर हमबातचीत करते रहे । लोगों नेजो सुझाव दिए,सरकार नेउन परविचार किया ।

महोदय, मैं यहभी बताना चाहता हूं किसर्वप्रथम इसकोड-ऑन-वेजेज़ काएक ड्राफ्ट हमने 21 मार्च, 2015 से 20 अप्रैल, 2015 तकमंत्रालय कीवेबसाइट परपब्लिक डोमेन में भीडाला था । उसमें आमजनता नेबढ़-चढ़कर अपने सुझाव भीदिए थेऔर उनसुझावों कोहम लोगों नेइस कोड में कंसिडर भीकिया है ।

अध्यक्ष जी,इन सबचर्चाओं केबाद कोड-ऑन-वेजेज़ कोसोलहवीं लोक सभा में 10 अगस्त, 2017 कोतत्कालीन श्रम मंत्री श्री बंडारू दत्तात्रेय जीने पेश किया था । तत्पश्चात् श्री किरीट सोमैया जीकी अध्यक्षता वाली स्टैण्डिंग कमेटी नेअपनी एकविस्तृत रिपोर्ट 18 दिसम्बर, 2018 कोदी थी । इसलिए, अबयह बिल सत्रहवीं लोक सभा में पेश किया जारहा है ।

       अध्यक्ष महोदय, कोड-ऑन-वेजेज़ परस्टैण्डिंग कमेटी ने 24 अनुशंसाएं कीथीं । उनमें से 17 अनुशंसाओं कोसरकार नेमान लिया । मैं आपके माध्यम सेस्टैण्डिंग कमेटी केसभी माननीय सदस्यों कोधन्यवाद देना चाहूंगा जिन्होंने इसकोड-ऑन-वेजेज़ में महत्वपूर्ण सुझाव दिए ।

महोदय, हमसभी जानते हैं किश्रम मंत्रालय 32 केन्द्रीय श्रम कानूनों कोचार कोड्स में समाहित कररहा है । इसी दिशा में,कोड-ऑन-वेजेज़ है,जिसके अन्तर्गत वेजेज़ सेसंबंधित चारों एक्ट्स समाहित होरहे हैं । इनमें पहला, पेमेन्‍टऑफ वेजेज़ एक्ट, जोवर्ष 1936 काहै, आज़ादी सेभी ग्यारह साल पहले काहै । दूसरा, मिनिमम वेजेज़ एक्ट, 1948 है,जो लगभग 71 वर्ष पुराना है । तीसरा, पेमेन्ट ऑफबोनस एक्ट, 1965 हैऔर चौथा, इक्वुअल रिम्युनरेशन एक्ट, 1976 है । इससंदर्भ में मैं आपको बताना चाहूंगा किवास्तव में कोड-ऑन-वेजेज़ केद्वारा हमारे देश में संगठित औरअसंगठित क्षेत्र केमजदूरों केलिए हमलोग एकबहुत बड़ा काम करने जारहे हैं । अभी करीब 50 करोड़ हमारे मजदूर भाई-बहन हैं । हमारी सरकार इनसबके लिए न्यूनतम मजदूरी काकानूनी अधिकार देने काकाम कररही है,जो ऐतिहासिक हैऔर आज़ादी केबाद पहली बार हमलोग मिल करयह कदम उठा रहे हैं ।

       आदरणीय अध्यक्ष जी,वर्तमान में यहन्यूनतम मजदूरी केन्द्र में 45 और राज्यों में कुल 1709 प्रकार केशेड्युल्ड इम्प्लॉयमेंट्स में हीउपलब्ध है । इसकानून केबनने केबाद सभी मजदूर भाई-बहनों कोन्यूनतम मजदूरी काकानूनी अधिकार मिल जाएगा । समाज केसभी वर्गों को,जो अबतक न्यूनतम मजदूरी कीपरिधि सेबाहर थे,विशेषकर असंगठित क्षेत्र केलोगों को,चाहे वेएग्रीकल्चर वर्कर हों,चाहे वेठेला चलाने वाले हों,सिर परबोझा ढोने वाले हों,घरों में सफाई  और पुताई का काम करने वाले हों,ढाबों में  काम करने  वाले हों, घरों में  काम करने वाली माताएं-बहने  हों  या गली-मुहल्लों व विभिन्न  प्रतिष्ठानों की रखवाली  करने  वाले  चौकीदार हों, समस्त कार्य  बल को इस  कानून केबनने के  बाद  न्यूनतम मजदूरी काअधिकार  मिल  जाएगा ।…(व्यवधान)

प्रो.सौगत राय (दमदम):यह किस एक्ट में हैकि येसब लोग उसके अन्डर होंगे?

 

श्री संतोषकुमार गंगवार: सर, मैंबस पाँचमिनटका समयलूंगा ।मुझेबोल लेनेदीजिए ।इसकेबाद आपकीबात सुनेंगे ।…(व्यवधान) आपकी बात बिल्कुल सही है ।…(व्यवधान)

       अध्यक्ष जी,मैं आपको बताना चाहूंगा किआई.एल.ओ. नेवर्ष 2011 और 2012 में एकस्टडी कीथी । इसके  अनुसार भारत में 32 प्रतिशत श्रमिक हीन्यूनतम मजदूरी केदायरे में आते थे । अगर हमयह भीमान लें किसात-आठसालों में इसमें अतिरिक्त श्रमिक आकर इनकी संख्या बढ़गई हैतो यहसंख्या 40 प्रतिशत हीहो रही है । मैं इतना कहसकता हूं किआज लगभग 40 प्रतिशत श्रमिक हीन्यूनतम मजदूरी कालाभ लेरहे हैं तोइस कोड कोकानूनी मान्यता मिलने केबाद बचे हुए 60 प्रतिशत, जिनकी संख्या कमसे कम 30 करोड़ है,उन श्रमिकों कोभी न्यूनतम मजदूरी काकानूनी अधिकार प्राप्त होजाएगा । इसी कारण यहएक ऐतिहासिक कदम हमारी सरकार उठाने जारही है ।

       महोदय,इस कोड में दूसरी मुख्य बात,जो हमलेकर आरहे हैं किअक्सर यहदेखा गया हैकि कईमामलों में लोगों कोउनका वेतन यामेहनताना महीने केअन्त में नहीं मिलता है । कभी-कभी तोइसमें दो-दो, तीन-तीन महीने लगजाते हैं औरउस श्रमिक यामजदूर कोउसका मेहनताना नहीं मिलता है । अबउसके परिवार केसामने कितनी समस्याएं होंगी, हमइसका अंदाजा लगा सकते हैं ।

       अध्यक्ष जी,सभी कोन्यूनतम मजदूरी मिले औरसमय परन्यूनतम मजदूरी मिले, यहहमारी सरकार कीजिम्मेदारी हैऔर इसकोड में हमयह सुनिश्चित कररहे हैं । मासिक वेतन वालों कोअगले महीने की 7 तारीख तक,साप्ताहिक आधार परकाम करने वालों कोसप्ताह केअंतिम दिन तथा दिहाड़ी परकाम करने वाले मजदूर भाई-बहन कोउसी दिन मजदूरी मिले, इसका प्रावधान इसकोड में किया जारहा है । चाहे दैनिक मजदूर हो,साप्ताहिक मजदूर होया मासिक मजदूर हो,समस्त कार्यबल कोसमय परवेतन मिले, उसके लिए हमइस कोड केमाध्यम सेमजदूरी सुनिश्चित करने काकाम कररहे हैं ।

       तीसरी सबसेमहत्वपूर्ण बात मैं आपके सामने लाना चाहता हूं किकितनी न्यूनतम मजदूरी तयकी जाएगी । अध्यक्ष जी,हम सबजानते हैं किआज कीस्थिति में केन्द्र एवं राज्य सरकारें अपने-अपने परिक्षेत्र में न्यूनतम मजदूरी कीदरें तयकरती हैं । वर्ष 2017 में केन्द्र सरकार नेकेन्द्रीय परिक्षेत्र में,जिसके अंतर्गत रेल,पोर्ट, माइन्स, ऑयल सेक्टर, बैंकिंग, इंश्योरेंस आदि समस्त पीएसयूज़ आती हैं । न्यूनतम मजदूरी केमामले में हमारी सरकार ने 42 परसेंट कीऐतिहासिक वृद्धि कीथी औरयह वास्तव में एकऐतिहासिक कदम था । वर्ष 2017 सेपहले औरवर्ष 2017 कीन्यूनतम मजदूरी कीदरों कामैं थोड़ा-साउल्लेख करना चाहूंगा । केन्द्र सरकार अकुशल श्रेणी में वर्ष 2017 सेपहले 237 रुपये प्रति देती देती थी,जो वर्ष 2017 केबाद 333 रुपये होगए । अति कुशल को 312 रुपये देती थीऔर वर्ष 2017 केबाद वह 438 रुपये होगया । गैर कृषि, यानी कंस्ट्रक्शन क्षेत्र में अकुशल श्रेणी में 374 रुपये मिलते थेऔर  वर्ष 2017 केबाद 523 रुपये होगया । अति कुशल श्रेणी में 495 रुपये मिलता थाऔर वर्ष 2017 केबाद हम 693 रुपये देरहे हैं । हमारी सरकार नेवास्तव में एकऐतिहासिक फैसला लिया था ।

राज्यों कोअपने परिक्षेत्र में न्यूनतम मजदूरी तयकरने काअधिकार रहता है,परंतु कईराज्यों नेशेड्यूल एम्प्लॉयमेंट में भीकाफी कमन्यूनतम मजदूरी तयकी हुई हैं । मैं उनके मजदूरी कीदरों काउल्लेख नहीं करना चाहता हूं,बल्कि मैं इतना हीकह सकता हूं किकुछ राज्यों ने 69 रुपये प्रतिदिन मजदूरी दीहैं औरकुछ राज्यों ने 115 रुपये प्रतिदिन मजदूरी दीहैं । मैं उनराज्यों कानाम लेना उचित नहीं समझता हूं,परंतु वास्तव में अबइस विसंगति कोदूर करने केलिए हमलोग काम  कररहे हैं ।

इसकोड केअंतर्गत एकफ्लोर वेज तयकिया जाएगा । यहफ्लोर वेज एकत्रिपक्षीय संस्था द्वारा तयकिया जाएगा, जिसके अंतर्गत ट्रेड यूनियन्स, नियोक्ता औरराज्यों केसंयुक्त परामर्श केबाद निर्णय लिया जाएगा औरइसको निर्धारित किया जाएगा । इसकोड केआने केबाद त्रिपक्षीय संस्था हीफ्लोर वेज कीसंस्तुति करेगी औरकेन्द्र सरकार नोटिफाई करेगी । फ्लोर वेज में न्यूनतम मजदूरी सेकम मजदूरी किसी मजदूर भाई-बहन कोकिसी राज्य में नहीं दीजाएगी ।

मैं इसविषय में सदन में एकबार फिर सेकहना चाहता हूं किइस कोड द्वारा न्यूनतम मजदूरी काकानूनी अधिकार औरफ्लोर वेज काप्रावधान किया जारहा है । मैं दो-तीन मिनट में हीअपनी बात समाप्त करूंगा । अभी हमन्यूनतम मजदूरी औरफ्लोर वेज कीकोई भीदर इसमें फिक्स नहीं कररहे हैं । जबहम लोग इसबारे में मीटिंग करेंगे, तोउसके बाद तयकरेंगे । इस विषय में मैं सदन कोएक बार फिर सेस्पष्ट करना चाह रहा हूं कि  यहदर एकत्रिपक्षीय संस्था द्वारा तयकी जाएगी, जिसमें ट्रेड यूनियन, एम्प्लॉयर औरराज्य सरकारों केप्रतिनिधि शामिल होंगे । भविष्य में न्यूनतम मजदूरी कीदर क्या होगी? इसकोड केलागू होने केबाद इसव्यवस्था द्वारा तयकी जाएगी । उसी प्रकार सेमजदूरी काफ्लोर वेज जैसे 100, 150 या 176 रुपये होगी । सभी माननीय सदस्यों सेमेरा आग्रह हैकि आपसभी लोग अपने सुझाव दें । वास्तव में यहएक ऐतिहासिक फैसला है । हमारे कुछ साथी हमसे हमेशा मिलकर इसबारे में बताते रहे हैं । मैं चाहूंगा किइस संदर्भ में अगर कोई औरसुझाव है,तो आपउसे हमें दें । आगे हमउस संदर्भ में विचार करेंगे ।

माननीयअध्यक्ष: प्रस्तावप्रस्तुतहुआ:

“किमजदूरीऔर बोनससंबंधीविधियोंका संशोधनऔर समेकनकरनेतथा उससेसंसक्तया उसकेआनुषंगिकविषयोंका उपबंधकरनेवालेविधेयकपर विचारकियाजाए ।”   SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH (MAVELIKKARA): Sir, thank you for giving me this opportunity to take part in the discussion on this Wages Code Bill, 2019.

15.19 hrs                    (Shrimati Meenakashi Lekhi in the Chair)        Madam, as I rise to elucidate my views and observations on the Wages Code Bill, 2019, I am certain of one aspect that looms large over the very existence of this Bill. There was no special circumstance or contingency to codify and amalgamate the existing labour laws. Apart from the hurry shown to bring this Bill, there has not been any discussion or consultation with different stakeholders concerned with this legislation, including trade unions and other representatives.

It shows an indifferent attitude and lack of democratic spirit of this Government.

       The hurried promulgation, on the other hand exposes one factor that the Bill is designed to benefit the corporates. The vast labour and trade unions of the country have rejected the content and exposed the intent of the Bill and the trade unions are on a path of protest and agitation against the anti-labour approach of this Government.

       While talking about the trade unions, I must mention about the BMS …*trade union is the BMS. Of course, what is the stand of the BJP Government about the Wage Code Bill and other labour reforms brought by this Government in Parliament?  From the beginning, …*Trade Union, the BMS, strongly opposed it. They also joined the trade unions protest throughout the country.  They also joined the Bharat Bandh.  They also joined the nation-wide strike. Now, other trade unions are all united but the BMS has gone in their own way because of the compulsion of the Government, the compulsion of the BJP leadership and the compulsion of the RSS Sangh Parivar at the back.  So, the BMS has come out from the joint protest.

       What I am trying to say is that your trade union is also not supporting the Wage Code.  The BMS leaders are also strongly opposing this Bill. All other trade unions stand united against this Wage Code.  They called for Bharat Bandh.  Even then, the Government is very much adamant to bring this Wage Code and other labour reforms.

       All labour laws were promulgated by the Congress in this country.  Our only aim is to protect the welfare and interests of the labourers and working class.  Since 1947, from the era of Nehru ji to Dr. Manmohan Singh, no labour legislation was enacted that excluded the working class and labourers.  The then Governments stood with the largest work force which built India brick by brick.

       While speaking on the legislation for the poor, can the BJP show a single legislation that aims to protect the poor and the working class?  Can they show a single piece of legislation that took away the burden of the labourers?  No, they cannot show it.   Whereas the Congress Governments promulgated the ESI Act, the PF Act, the Bonus Act, the Minimum Wages Act, etc. I am not mentioning other labour laws.  Each of these legislations were stepping stones for the working class and enabled it to take another step towards prosperity, decent remunerations and benefits for them.

       Now you are going to destroy the ESI.  You are even objecting or opposing the PF pension.  My friend introduced a Private Members Bill. You gave an assurance in this House but what have you done outside in the Supreme Court?  You vehemently objected to the enhancement of the PF pension. This is your attitude against the poor workers.

The UPA Government enacted several landmark legislations that can be defined as Magna Carta-like declarations emancipating the poor including the Act for manual scavengers, Act for welfare of unorganised sector, and above all, the MGNREGA in which the spirit of Gandhian ethos of reaching out to the last man standing and granting him his right to earn and life was promulgated.

       I must thank the stellar efforts undertaken by the hon. UPA Chairperson, Madam Sonia Gandhiji in standing for the poor of this country, and endorsing MGNREGA that gave hope and help to many a family which were on the brink of poverty. Now, what are you going to do in MGNREGA? Your Government has declared a war against MGNREGA. After the Budget was presented in this House, I went to my constituency. Thousands of MGNREGA workers came to meet me. In my Constituency, in rural area, many MGNREGA workers work there. I met the poor women workers. They were very much afraid because of a rumour that you are going to stop MGNREGA, you are going to reduce the wages, and you are going to reduce the working days. This is the situation arising in our country as far as MGNREGA is concerned.

So, your Government, the Modi Government has declared a war against MGNREGA by cutting down allocations, stoppage of wages, and non-allocation of work days. Then, you say that this Government is pro-poor, this Government is pro-workers, and this Government is pro-people. How can you prove that? I have seen your attitude towards MGNREGA.

       Madam Chairperson, I must say, the Government hates to see the poor prosper, and wishes well for the rich and powerful. By promulgating the code of wages, the Modi Government has decided to sow the seeds of unrest and frustration among the working class which will in turn consume the entire industrial sector, and that will drown this Government’s plans with it.

       The blatant support for the corporate is an indicator of the days to come where poor will be side-lined, and every single labourer will stand to lose his rights, his wages, his emoluments, and even rights to protest against discrimination in this code of oppression.

       Madam Chairperson, such a situation, I must warn the House, will vitiate the investment atmosphere and disturb the harmonious existence of the working class and the employers in the country. In such a stage, the trade unions are on the war path. If you want to modify the existing labour laws, you can modify them with consultation of the trade unions and tripartite discussions. You had a discussion with the trade unions but it was an eye-wash. After that, you went your own way. You can say that the Government had discussion with the trade unions. Of course, it might be. But no conclusion was arrived at with the leaders of the trade unions, and during tripartite discussions. You are bringing this Bill without any conclusion.

       How would the trade unions agree with this Code on Wages?  That is why, they are aggressively going in for an agitation against this piece of legislation.      Our industrial sector is not peaceful today because the workers are unitedly against this act of the Government.

       The Code on Wages, 2019 amalgamates four labour laws relating to wages and bonus, namely, Payment of Wages Act, 1936; Minimum Wages Act, 1948; Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; and Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 into a single Code, and provides for a National Minimum Wages for all workers.

       While this might appear to be a grand decision, in fact and in reality, it is what you call ‘to pull the wool over someone’s eyes’ and conceals one’s vision away from the truth.

       But the truth is  that the country has witnessed the largest ever unemployment rate at a historical high of 46 per cent. The truth is that a hastily cooked up GST and demonetisation have broken the back of the small and medium scale entrepreneurs, of the farmers and of traditional businesses to a point of no recovery. The truth is that the opportunities in every other sector where people are employed starting from manufacturing to sales and services, are getting dried up.  Frustrated and disappointed people are ending their lives as they are unable to cope up with the loss of jobs.

       It is against this context that the Code on Wages, 2019 must be read and studied.

       Madam Chairperson, I would like to point out certain areas of concern as it affects the welfare of the labourers. The hon. Minister is very much aware that the Code on Wages has denied the agreed formula of wage calculation as per the 15th Indian Labour Conference, and add on 25 per cent as directed by the Supreme Court Judgment in M/s.Raptakos Case,  and which was repeatedly and unanimously accepted by the 45th and 46th Indian Labour Conferences.

       The recommendation of the Supreme Court was ignored  by the Expert Committee appointed by the Central Government, which excluded any participation from the trade unions;  and  the Labour Minister on 10th July, 2019 unilaterally announced the National Minimum Wage as Rs. 4,628 per month whereas the 7th Central Pay Commission recommended Rs. 18,000 per month as the Minimum Wages with effect from 1st January, 2016.

   

       Madam, clause 9(1) of the Bill says:

       “The Central Government shall fix floor wage taking into account minimum living standards of a worker in such manner as may be     prescribed:

Provided that different floor wage may be fixed for different geographical areas. ” This point is very important.  While speaking about a National Minimum Wage, instead of providing for a uniform National Minimum Wage for the entire country,  the provisioning of different National Minimum Wages  to be fixed for different States, is an attempt at hoodwinking the working class.

Madam, I am raising a very important point here. They have totally rejected the recommendations of their own Expert Committee – the Anoop Satpathy Committee -- on determining the methodology for fixing the National Minimum Wages.

       It sets the single value of national minimum wage for India at Rs. 375 per day or Rs. 9,750 per month as of July, 2018 irrespective of sectors, skills, occupations and rural and urban locations along with an additional house rent allowance (city compensatory allowance), averaging up to Rs. 55 per day that is Rs. 1,430 per month for urban workers over and above the national minimum wage.

       The hon. Minister for Labour, Shri Santosh Gangwar ji, had mentioned the preface of the Report in his letter that it will also be helpful for the National Advisory Board.

HON. CHAIRPERSON : Suresh ji, your Party’s time was 23 minutes.  You have another Member to speak. So, I am just informing you.

SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH : Madam, I am a former Labour Minister also. 

HON. CHAIRPERSON: Please conclude.

SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH : I am concluding.  I am only mentioning some points.

       The hon. Minister is also very much aware of this. He mentioned the preface of the Report in his letter that it will also be helpful for the National Advisory Board on Minimum Wages to take some firm decisions for the benefit of wage earners in the country, especially, workers in the unorganised sector. So, the Bill is against this decision. Hon. Minister, you have announced one decision and you are bringing another.

       As one can observe, the Report had been a perfect excuse to divert the attention of the stakeholders while the Government silently went ahead with its plot to set a different agenda that upsets the welfare of the labourers.

       Therefore, this Bill is anti-labour.  This Bill is totally against the working class. You should understand the feeling of the working class of this country.  All the trade unions are being ignored.  Again, you have to go back to the trade unions. You should call them and take their opinion.  There should be a tripartite discussion.  You have to accept their suggestions and views.  Then only, you can implement this Wage Code Bill.

       With these words, I conclude.

     

डॉ. वीरेन्द्र कुमार (टीकमगढ़): सभापति महोदया, आपका धन्यवाद कि आपने मुझे मजदूरी संहिता 2019 पर बोलने का मौका दिया । मैं आदरणीय प्रधान मंत्री नरेन्द्र मोदी जी का आभार व्यक्त करना चाहता हूं साथ ही श्रम मंत्री संतोष गंगवार जी का भी आभार व्यक्त करना चाहता हूं । सभापति महोदया,हम जानते हैं कि यह विधेयक पिछली लोक सभा में आया था और श्रम संबंधी स्थायी समिति को भेजा गया था । श्रम संबंधी स्थायी समिति में इस पर काफी विचार विमर्श हुआ था और उन्होंने अपनी रिपोर्ट सदन में प्रस्तुत की थी । लोक सभा में उस पर चर्चा भी हुई और विधेयक पारित भी हो गया था, लेकिन लोक सभा का कार्यकाल समाप्त होने के बाद यह बिल दोबारा हमारे सामने आया है । इस बार इस विधेयक में पिछले विधेयक की तुलना में अंतर है । इस बार जो विधेयक आया है, उसमें श्रम संबंधी स्थायी समिति के द्वारा जो सुझाव दिए गए थे उन 24 सुझावों में से 17 सुझावों को इसमें शामिल किया गया है । इसके लिए मैं श्रम मंत्री महोदय का धन्यवाद करना चाहता हूं और इसलिए भी उनका धन्यवाद करना चाहता हूं, क्योंकि वे एक लो प्रोफाइल परिवार से आते हैं, वे मजदूरों की और कामगारों की समस्या को बहुत अच्छे ढंग से समझते हैं । 

सभापति महोदया, श्रम संबंधी कानूनों में सुधार लाने कीमांग बहुत लम्बे समय सेचली आरही है,जिसको हमारी सरकार नेआगे बढ़ाने काकाम किया है । इसी श्रृंखला में जोचार महत्वपूर्ण विधियां हैं – न्यूनतम मजदूरी अधिनियम, 1948, मजदूरी संदाय अधिनियम, 1936, बोनस संदाय अधिनियम, 1965 औरसमान पारिश्रमिक अधिनियम, 1976, सभी केप्रावधानों एवं व्यवस्थाओं कोएकीकृत करके, नएसुधारों केसाथ इसमजदूरी संहिता कानिर्माण हुआ है । श्रम क्षेत्र में यहसंहिता एकनई क्रान्ति लाएगी, जिसका लाभ श्रमिकों औरनियोक्ताओं, दोनों कोमिलेगा । यह महत्वपूर्ण विधेयक रोजगार केसंगठित औरअसंगठित, दोनों क्षेत्रों कोशामिल करेगा औरसभी क्षेत्रों केरोजगारों-कामगारों परन्यूनतम मजदूरी कोलागू करने काकाम करेगा ।

भारत में अभी तकजो श्रम  संबंधी कानून थे,उनमें केवल संगठित क्षेत्र केलिए प्रावधान थे । असंगठित क्षेत्र में जोश्रमिक काम कररहे थे,उनके लिए यातो व्यवस्थाएं नहीं थीं याबहुत कमव्यवस्थाएं थीं । यहसंहिता लगभग 50 करोड़ श्रमिकों केजीवन में सामाजिक-आर्थिक क्रान्ति कासाधन सिद्ध होगी । असंगठित क्षेत्र बहुत सारी विसंगतियों सेभरा हुआ है,उनका बहुत ज्यादा शोषण होता है । इन्हीं सबकमियों कोदूर करने केलिए देश केप्रधान मंत्री आदरणीय नरेन्द्र मोदी जीद्वारा ‘सबका साथ,सबका विकास औरसबका विश्वास’ कीपरिकल्पना कोमूर्त रूप प्रदान करने केलिए यहप्रयास किया जारहा है । यहप्रयास स्वागत-योग्य कदम है,अत्यंत सराहनीय औरअभिनंदन-योग्य कदम है । यहऐसा प्रयास है,जिससे संगठित औरअसंगठित, दोनों क्षेत्रों में काम करने वाले श्रमिकों कीआर्थिक-सामाजिक उन्नति कामार्ग प्रशस्त होगा औरयह संहिता श्रमिकों कोसंगठित औरअसंगठित केविभाजन में नबांटते हुए,मात्र श्रमिकों कीआर्थिक-सामाजिक उन्नति कामूल मार्ग बनेगी । इससंहिता में जोपरिभाषाएं हैं,वे अपने विषय कोऔर स्पष्ट करती हैं,जिससे उनकी व्याख्याओं में सुगमता आजाती है ।

सभापति महोदया, मैं कहना चाहता हूं किहम देश कीगगनचुम्बी इमारतों कोदेखते हैं,चमचमाती सड़कों कोदेखते हैं,लेकिन येगगनचुम्बी इमारतें बनाने काकाम कौन करता है?मजदूर इसकाम कोकरते हैं । सड़कों कोचमचमाने काकाम कौन करता है?मजदूर इसकाम कोकरते हैं । दिल्ली में सिविक सेंटर, हिन्दुस्तान टाइम्स बिल्डिंग, स्टेट्समैन हाउस, पालिका केन्द्र, मुंबई कावर्ल्ड ट्रेड सेंटर, इम्पीरियल टावर आदि बड़ी-बड़ी बिल्डिंग्स हमें नजर आती हैं,लेकिन इनबिल्डिंग्स कोबनाने में मजदूर काजो परिश्रम लगता है,वह परिश्रम हमें नजर नहीं आता है । उसपरिश्रम कोपहचान कर,उसे सही मजदूरी मिले, न्यूनतम मजदूरी केरूप में उसका जोहिस्सा है,उसका वहहिस्सा उसे मिले, इसकाम कोकरने काकाम अगर किसी नेकिया हैतो देश केप्रधान मंत्री आदरणीय नरेन्द्र मोदी जीने किया है । प्रयागराज काकुम्भ हमारे सामने है,प्रयागराज केकुम्भ में हमने देखा किपूरे देश सेकरोड़ों कीसंख्या में धर्मालुजन वहां परगए, प्रवासी भारतीय भीवहां बड़ी संख्या में आए,बहुत बड़ी संख्या में विदेशी लोग भीवहां आए,लेकिन प्रयागराज केकुम्भ में उसपरिसर कोपूरी तरह सेसाफ-स्वच्छ रखने काकाम हमारे सफाई कर्मचारी भाइयों नेकिया । ऐसे सफाई कर्मचारी भाइयों कासम्मान देश केप्रधान मंत्री आदरणीय नरेन्द्र मोदी जीने उनके पैर धोकर के,सबका सम्मान करने काकाम किया है । यहआज़ाद हिन्दुस्तान केइतिहास में पहली बार किसी प्रधान मंत्री द्वारा मजदूरों कोसम्मानित करने काकदम उठाया गया है ।

       सभापति महोदया, हमने प्रयागराज में ‘सबका साथ,सबका विकास औरसबका विश्वास’ देखा । मैं एकघटना काउल्लेख करना चाहता हूं । मैंने अपने क्षेत्र में एकबार, जोकामकाजी बहनें होती हैं,जो घरों में झाड़ू-पोंछा करने जाती हैं,बर्तन मांजने केलिए जाती हैं,कपड़े धोने केलिए जाती हैं,ऐसी बहनों कीकठिनाइयों औरपरेशानियों कोजानने केलिए कोमैंने बड़ी संख्या में एकत्रित किया । वहां परबड़ी संख्या में बहनें आईं ।  वहां परएक बहन आई,उसने अपनी पीड़ा बताई । वहबहन दोघरों में काम करने केलिए जाती थी । उसका पति एकठेकेदार केअधीन मजदूर केरूप में काम करता था,सड़क बनाने काकाम चलरहा था । वहमजदूर बेचारा पिघले हुए तारकोल सेभरी बाल्टी लेकर जारहा था,उसके पैर में ठोकर लगी औरवह बाल्टी उसके पैर परगिर पड़ी । उससे उसकी खाल पूरी तरह झुलस गई । अबवह बहन,जो दोघरों में काम कररही थी,उसके सामने दोहरी समस्या आगई । एकओर अपने बच्चों कापेट पालना है,दूसरी ओरपति बीमार होगया, घायल होगया, उसका इलाज कराना है । ठेकेदार नेकुछ दिनों तकउसे भर्ती कराया, फिर हाथ खड़े करलिये । अब वहजो बहन दोघरों में काम करती थी,उसको दोअन्य घरों में काम करने केलिए जाना पड़ा । उसे दोघरों में काम तोमिला, लेकिन उसे कममजदूरी परकाम करने केलिए बाध्य होना पड़ा ।

हमारी बहनों काइस तरह सेशोषण होता हैऔर हमारे मजदूर भाइयों काशोषण होता है । उनको न्यूनतम मजदूरी मिलनी चाहिए । यहपहल श्रम मंत्री जीद्वारा इससंहिता केमाध्यम सेकी गईहै, यहएक बहुत बड़ा स्वागत योग्य कदम है ।

       सभापति महोदया, सबका साथ,सबका विकास औरसबका विश्वास कीभावना केसाथ, हमारी सरकार समाज केविभिन्न वर्गों केकल्याण केलिए प्रयास कररही है । समय-समय परहम स्त्री-पुरुष कीसमानता कीबात करते हैं औरहम लिंग केआधार परभेदभाव काविरोध भीकरते हैं,लेकिन हमें इसमें सामाजिक जीवन में कईविसंगतियां देखने कोमिलती हैं । श्रम संबंधी स्थायी समिति में,मैंने कईस्थानों परजाकर देखा हैऔर वहां परहमने मजदूरी केबारे में जानने काप्रयास किया है । हमने देखा हैकि लिंग केआधार परबहुत सारी असमानताएं कईस्थानों परहैं । चाहे वहमजदूरी, पारिश्रमिक याआईटी सेक्टर कीबात हो,हर जगह असमानता है । हमारे बहुत सारे साथियों केक्षेत्रों में चाय बागान हैं । हमने देखा हैकि  वहां परबड़ी संख्या में हमारी बहनें काम करती हैं । मैंने चाय बागानों में जाकर देखा हैकि बहनों कोपारिश्रमिक देने में भेदभाव किया जाता है । उनको समान मजदूरी नहीं दीजाती है । मैंने असम में देखा हैकि उनको मजदूरी में कुछ स्थानों परचावल दिए जाते हैं औरचावल केपैसे उनकी मजदूरी सेकाटे जाते हैं । इसतरह सेउनका शोषण होता है,लेकिन मैं असम कीसरकार कोधन्यवाद देना चाहता हूं किअसम कीसरकार, हमारी सरकार नेउनके लिए पहल कीहै । असम कीसरकार द्वारा एकव्यक्ति कोपांच किलोग्राम चावल देने कीशुरुआत कीगई है । यहएक सराहनीय कदम है,लेकिन उनकी मजदूरी सेचावल औरआटे कापैसा काटा जाता है,यह उनका शोषण है । इसशोषण कोरोकने केलिए, जिन राज्यों में चाय बगान हैं,उन चाय बगानों में जोमजदूर हैं,जहां परमजदूरों कोन्यूनतम मजदूरी काभुगतान नहीं होरहा है,मैं आदरणीय श्रम मंत्री जीसे निवेदन करना चाहता हूं किइस तरह कीअनियमितता करने वाले, मालिक, नियोक्ता याठेकेदार केप्रति कदम उठाए जाने चाहिए । जबहम सबका साथ,सबका विकास कीबात करते हैं तोहमारे देश कीजो आधी आबादी है,उनको पूरा मेहनताना मिले, इसकी पहल होनी चाहिए । ईंट भट्टा परएक मजदूर काम करता था । वहअपनी मजदूरी मांगने केलिए गया । वहां परउससे कहा गया कितुम कलआना, कलतुम्हारा भुगतान करदिया जाएगा । जबवह वहां परदूसरे दिन गया तोईंट भट्टे केमालिक नेअपने साथियों केसाथ मिल करउसके साथ बुरी तरह सेमार-पीट की । इसके कारण वहव्यक्ति खत्म होगया । उसकी पत्नी छोटे बच्चे कोलेकर मेरे पास आईऔर अपने बच्चे कोमेरे सामने रखदिया । मेरी आत्मा अंदर तककांप गईकि इसबहन कोकैसे न्याय दिलाया जाए?पहले वहथाने में गईथी, लेकिन थाने में उसकी रिपोर्ट नहीं लिखी जारही थी । मैं उसबहन कोसाथ लेकर गया,उसकी रिपोर्ट लिखवाई औरउसकी मदद की । उसमजदूर काकसूर थाकि वहअपना हकमांगने गया था । जोउसने परिश्रम किया था,उस परिश्रम कीकीमत मांगने गया था । इसतरह किसी भीमजदूर केसाथ अन्याय नहोने पाए । हमने चाय बागान कीविसंगति कोदेखा है ।

       हमारे देशमें बड़ी संख्या में बीड़ी मजदूर हैं । वेदेश में एक-सा परिश्रम करते हैं,लेकिन असम में बीड़ी मजदूर कीदर अलग है,कर्नाटक में यहअलग है,मध्य प्रदेश में यहअलग है,ओडिशा में यहअलग हैऔर महाराष्ट्र में अलग है । जबएक हीतरह काकाम हैतो समान काम केलिए पूरे देश में एकसमान मेहनताना क्यों नहीं मिलना चाहिए? वहां परभी न्यूनतम मजदूरी देने काप्रावधान किया जाना चाहिए ।

       भवननिर्माण केक्षेत्र में जोमजदूर काम करते हैं,उनके साथ भीवहां परभेदभाव किया जाता है । मैंने एकठेकेदार सेबात की । पुरुषों कोजो मेहनताना दिया जाता था,उसकी तुलना में महिलाओं कोकम पारिश्रमिक दिया जारहा था । मैंने उसठेकेदार सेबात कीकि महिलाओं कोइतना कमवेतन क्यों देरहे हो?उसने कहा कि  महिलाओं कीकाम करने कीशक्ति कमहोती है,इसलिए उनको कममेहनताना दिया जाता है । कईबार महिलाएं भीइस बात कोमान लेती हैं किहम पुरुषों कीतुलना में कमकाम करपाते हैं । यहभेदभाव खत्म करने केलिए हीइसे लाया गया है । लिंग केआधार परभेदभाव प्रतिबंध है,उस प्रतिबंध काप्रावधान विधेयक केखंड-तीन में किया गया है । यहएक स्वागत योग्य कदम हैऔर इससे आने वाले समय में इसतरह कीविसंगतियां, जोहमारी बहनों केसाथ मजदूरी देने में भेदभाव किया जाता है,उस दिशा में बहुत अच्छा कदम है ।

       महोदया, इस विधेयक कासबसे महत्वपूर्ण उद्‌देश्य न्यूनतम मजदूरी तयकरना है । विधेयक काखंड-5 यहसुनिश्चित करेगा किसरकार द्वारा अधिसूचित मजदूरी  न्यूनतम दरसे कममजदूरी किसी राज्य में यासंस्था में कर्मचारी कोनहीं दीजाएगी । विधेयक केखंड-6 में न्यूनतम मजदूरी कोनियत करने काजो उपबंध किया गया है,केन्द्रीय सरकार द्वारा विभिन्न भौगोलिक क्षेत्रों केलिए अधिसूचना द्वारा तयमजदूरी नियत कीजाएगी । तय मजदूरी कामगार केजीवन यापन कीजो न्यूनतम आवश्यकताएं हैं,उनके आधार परनियत कीजाएंगी औरउसके बाद समुचित सरकार द्वारा तयकी गईमजदूरी कीन्यूनतम दरें तयमजदूरी सेकम नहीं होंगी । यदि समुचित सरकार द्वारा पहले सेतय कीगई मजदूरी कीन्यूनतम दरें तयमजदूरी सेअधिक थीं,तो उन्हें कमनहीं किया जासकेगा । न्यूनतम मजदूरी निर्धारित करने औरसंशोधित करने कीशक्ति औरउनके आबंटन क्षेत्र केसंबंध में राज्य सरकारों केपास जारी रहेंगी । वर्तमान में जोगैर सांविधिक मजदूरी 176 रुपये प्रतिदिन है,जो सभी राज्यों कोपरामर्शिका केरूप में जारी कीगई है,न्यूनतम मजदूरी कालानुपाती काम,मात्रानुपाती काम केलिए औरअवधि केघंटे यादिवस यामास द्वारा होगी । यहविभिन्न भौगोलिक क्षेत्रों केलिए निम्नतम मजदूरी काउपबंध करने केलिए, जिससे यहसुनिश्चित किया जासकेगा किकोई राज्य सरकार, केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा उसक्षेत्र केलिए अधिसूचित निम्नतम मजदूरी सेकम निम्नतम मजदूरी नियत नकरे । अनुसूचित नियोजन कोसमाप्त करने परन्यूनतम मजदूरियों कीसंख्या में भारी कमी आईहै । इससे न्यूनतम मजदूरियों कीवर्तमान संख्या पूरे देश में 2000  से काफी कमहो करकिसी राज्य में लगभग 10 रहजाएगी । 24 हजार रुपये प्रतिमाह कीवेतन सीमा तकमजदूरी कासमय परभुगतान केवल अधिसूचित प्रतिष्ठानों परलागू होने केबजाय सभी परइसका विस्तार किया गया है । यहप्रावधान अत्यंत सराहनीय हैऔर स्वागत योग्य है ।

महोदया, विधेयक केखंड-9 में यहप्रावधान किया गया हैकि केन्द्र सरकार निम्नतम मजदूरी नियत करने सेपूर्व केन्द्रीय सलाहकार बोर्ड कीसलाह प्राप्त करेगी । यहबोर्ड न्यूनतम वेतन कानिर्धारण वमहिलाओं केरोजगार केअवसरों कोबढ़ाने केपहलुओं परसंबंधित सरकारों कोसलाह देगा । केंद्रीय सलाहकार बोर्ड केगठन में नियोक्ताओं काप्रतिनिधित्व, कर्मचारियों काप्रतिनिधित्व, स्वतंत्र व्यक्ति वराज्य सरकार केपांच प्रतिनिधियों कोमिलाकर किया जाएगा । इसमें सबसे महत्वपूर्ण बात यहहै किइस बोर्ड में एकतिहाई महिला सदस्य होंगी । यहबहुत हीमहत्वपूर्ण कदम हैऔर भारत केकार्य क्षेत्र में कार्यरत श्रमिकों कीलगभग आधी आबादी यानी किमहिला श्रमिकों केसशक्तीकरण में मील कापत्थर साबित होगा । माननीय प्रधान मंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी जीका नारी सशक्तीकरण काउद्‌देश्य इसमहत्वपूर्ण प्रावधान सेपूर्ण होगा । ऐसा हीएक सलाहकार बोर्ड राज्य सरकारों द्वारा गठित किया जाएगा वजिसमें एकतिहाई सदस्य महिलाएं होंगी ।

       महोदय,विधेयक काखंड-14 ओवर टाइम केलिए मजदूरी कासंदाय काउपबंध है,जिसमें सामान्य कार्य दिन कोगठित करने वाले घंटों कीसंख्या सेअधिक हैं तोओवर टाइम कीदर मजदूरी कीसामान्य दरसे दोगुने सेकम नहीं होगी । यहबहुत हीस्वागत योग्य कदम हैऔर इसके लिए माननीय श्रम मंत्री जीका मैं धन्यवाद करना चाहता हूं । अक्सर यहदेखा गया हैकि नियोक्ता खासकर ठेकेदार कामगारों सेगठित घंटों सेज्यादा काम लेते हैं औरउन्‍हें उसकी एवज में बहुत कमपारिश्रमिक दिया जाता है । कईजगह हमने पाया हैकि ठेकेदार मजदूरों सेओवर टाइम तोकराते हैं,परन्तु उन्हें डरा-धमका करउनका पारिश्रमिक नहीं देते हैं । जहां मजदूरों केद्वारा इसका विरोध किया जाता है,तो उन्हें काम सेनिकालने कीधमकी दीजाती हैऔर इसका परिणाम यहहोता हैकि बाकी सारे मजदूर भयके कारण किउन्हें निकाल दिया जाएगा, इसलिए ज्यादा समय काम करते हैं । वेठेकेदार सेओवर टाइम कापारिश्रमिक नहीं मांगते हैं । एकस्थान परकांच सेजुड़े व्यवसाय केमजदूरों सेमिले । हमने देखा किवहां मजदूर लगातार एकहजार डिग्री सेल्सियस सेऊपर केटेम्प्रेचर में भट्टी केसामने बैठे लगातार दससे बारह घंटे तककाम करते हैं,परन्तु उन्हें केवल एकदिन काही पारिश्रमिक दिया जाता है । हमइनके घरों में भीगए, जहां चूड़ियों कोरगने औरजोड़ने काकाम किया जाता है । हमने पाया किवहां इनमजदूरों केछोटे-छोटे बच्चों सेइस काम कोकराते हैं औरउनका पारिश्रमिक वयस्कों केमुकाबले एकचौथाई भी नहीं होता । ऐसा करके ठेकेदार बाल श्रम कोबढ़ावा देता हैऔर मजदूरी में भीभेदभाव करता है । इसलिए ऐसे स्थानों कोचिह्नित करके उसस्थान परकार्य करने वाले अधिकारियों केविरुद्ध भीसख्त कदम उठाने कीआवश्यकता है ।

       सभापति महोदया, विधेयक केखंड 17 में प्रावधान किया गया हैकि किसी भीश्रमिक कोसेवा सेहटाने केलिए, उसके द्वारा कंपनी छोड़ दीगई हैया स्थापना बंद होने केकारण कर्मचारी कोजो मज़दूरी दीजानी है,वह दोसप्ताह केभीतर देदी जानी चाहिए औरसमुचित सरकार इसखंड में उपबंधित समय सीमा सेअलग समय सीमा उपबंधित करसकेगी, जोकि वास्तव में एकबहुत हीअच्छा कदम है ।

       माननीय सभापति महोदया, मैं ध्यान दिलाना चाहता हूं किवर्षों सेबंद पड़ी जोजूट मिलें हैं,वहां केकर्मचारियों कोअभी तकभुगतान नहीं किए गएहैं । एकतो कर्मचारी अपनी नौकरी जाने सेव्यथित होता है,दूसरी तरफ उसे सालों चक्कर लगाने पड़ते हैं,लेकिन उसका भुगतान नहीं होता है । यहविधेयक इसबात कोसुनिश्चित करेगा किकर्मचारी काभुगतान हरस्थिति में दोसप्ताह केभीतर होजाना चाहिए ।

       महोदया, खंड 18 में कर्मचारी कीमज़दूरी सेजो कटौतियां होती हैं,उन कटौतियों केसंबंध में प्रबंध किया गया है । इससे कुछ निश्चित आधार परही यहकटौती कीजा सकेगी, जैसे अगर कर्मचारी ड्यूटी सेअनुपस्थित रहें याउसने एडवांस लिया हैया नियोक्ता द्वारा उसे आवास उपलब्ध कराया गया है । किसी मज़दूरी अवधि में मज़दूर कीकटौती कीअधिकतम सीमा पचास प्रतिशत होगी । इसपचास प्रतिशत सेज्यादा कटौती नहीं होसकेगी, लेकिन देखने में यहआता हैकि नियोक्ता कर्मचारी केवेतन सेकटौती करते हैं,पर उसकटौती कोनियत खातों में जमा नहीं करते । कईजगह तोहमने यहभी पाया किकर्मचारियों केवेतन सेकटौती हुई,परंतु उनका खाता सरकारी निधि केलिए खुला हीनहीं औरउनको आश्वासन दिया गया किजहां वेकार्यमुक्त होंगे तोउनका सारा पैसा उन्हें मिल जाएगा । ऐसी धोखाधड़ी कोरोकने में यहखंड मजदूरों केहितों काध्यान रखेगा ।

       सभापति महोदया, खंड 21 नुकसान याहानि सेकटौती केउपबंध केलिए है । कर्मचारी कीउपेक्षा याअनदेखी कीवजह सेनियोक्ता सेहुए नुकसान केपरिपक्ष में कटौती तबतक नहीं कीजा सकेगी, जबतक कर्मचारी कोकटौती केविरुद्ध ‘कारण बताओ नोटिस’ जारी नहीं किया जाता है । हमने ऐसा कईजगह पाया जहां कर्मचारी कोविभिन्न हानियां दिखाकर उनके वेतन सेकटौती कीगई । कईबार तोकर्मचारी कोमालूम हीनहीं होता थाकि किस गलती केकारण उसका वेतन काटा गया है । ऐसे में यहप्रावधान कर्मचारी कोअपनी बात रखने काअवसर प्रदान करेगा । इससंहिता में एकऔर महत्वपूर्ण प्रावधान यहकिया गया हैकि पांच वर्ष सेअधिक केअंतराल परमजदूरी कीन्यूनतम दरों कापुनर्विलोकन किया जाएगा । यहवास्तव में बहुत हीस्वागतयोग्य कदम है ।

       मजदूरों केदावे केसंबंध में दावे कीजो समय सीमा है,वह अलग-अलग थी,जिसे अबसभी मामलों में तीन साल किया जारहा है । अर्थात, कोई भीमजदूर अपने दावों कोतीन साल केअंदर दाखिल करसकता है । जहां तकनियोक्ताओं काप्रश्न है,सभी प्रकार कीपरिभाषाओं औरक्रिया-कलापों में एकरूपता लाई जारही है । मैं सदन कोबताना चाहता हूं किवर्तमान में जोश्रम कानून है,उसमें 12 प्रकार कीवेजेज़ कीपरिभाषा है,जिसमें काफी संदेह होता है । अत:सभी परिभाषाओं में एकरूपता लाई जारही है । पैनल्टी कोतर्कसंगत बनाया जारहा है,कम्पाउंडिंग कीव्यवस्था कीजा रही है,रिटर्न कोभी बहुत सरल किया जारहा है,इंस्पैक्टर कोपारदर्शी एवं जवाबदेह बनाया जारहा हैऔर भ्रष्टाचार कीसंभावनाओं कोरोकने केलिए अधिकार क्षेत्र मुक्त जांच काप्रावधान किया जारहा है । यहवास्तव में बहुत हीस्वागतयोग्य कदम है ।

 

       महोदया, विधेयक केखंड 43 में प्रिंसिपल एम्पलॉयर कीपरिभाषा है । अधिकांश स्थानों परयह देखने में आता हैकि नियोक्ता किसी कंपनी, फर्म याएसोसिएशन केठेकेदार कोबता देता हैकि सारी चीज़ों केलिए वहजिम्मेदार है,चाहे वहउसके लिए सुविधाएं हों,उसका वेतन होया कोई दुर्घटना होने परउसको सहायता देने काविषय हो । इसतरह वहअपने आपको इसजिम्मेदारी सेबचाना चाहता है । अत:इस खंड में प्रिंसिपल एम्पलॉयर कीपरिभाषा कासरलीकरण किया गया है । यहभी वास्तव में बहुत स्वागतयोग्य कदम है । इससे अबठेकेदार औरनियोक्ता अपने आपको बचा नहीं पाएंगे औरन हीमजदूरों केहितों काकिसी तरह काअहित करपाएंगे । 

       महोदया, विधेयक काखंड 51 निरीक्षक-सहसुकरकर्ताओं कीनियुक्ति औरउनकी शक्तियां उपबंधित करता है । अभी तकनिरीक्षक याइंस्पैक्टर शब्द एकइंस्पैक्टर राज कोइंगित करता था,जिससे कमपढ़े-लिखे याअनपढ़ मजदूरों में यहभ्रांति थीकि यहतो मैनेजमेंट काआदमी है,यह हमारी बात क्यों सुनेगा । अगर हमइसे उल्टा करके देखें तोमैनेजमेंट कोयह महसूस होता थाकि यहतो हमें नजाने किस मुसीबत में डाल देगा । इसशब्द केसाथ फैसिलिटेटर्स जोड़ने सेस्वयं कोएक शांतिप्रद अनुभूति होती हैकि यहमजदूर औरमैनेजमेंट केबीच में एकतालमेल बैठाएगा औरमजदूरों केमन सेइंस्पैक्टर शब्द केडर कोभी हटाएगा ।

       महोदया, खंड 53 भी बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है,जो किभारत सरकार औरराज्य सरकार केजो राजपत्रित अधिकारी हैं,उनको 50 हजार रुपये तकके जुर्माने सेदंडनीय मामलों केनिपटारे करने केलिए उपबंध करता है । यहखंड आजकी न्यायपालिका परबढ़ते हुए बोझ कोकम करने केलिए एकसराहनीय कदम है । इसके साथ हीयह इसप्रक्रिया में लगने वाले लंबे समय सेभी बचाएगा, जिससे बहुत हीकम समय में मजदूरों कोराहत मिल सकेगी ।

16.00 hrs        खण्ड 54 में जुर्माने कोबढ़ाने काउपबंध किया गया है । अभी तकविभिन्न कानूनों केअंतर्गत जुर्माने यासजा काजो प्रावधान था,वह काफी कमथा । इसखण्ड केद्वारा जुर्माने को 50 हजार रुपये तकबढ़ाया गया है । यदि पांच साल केभीतर नियोक्ता एकबार फिर सेइसी तरीके केउल्लंघन कीपुनरावृत्ति करता हैतो यहजुर्माना यासजा दोगुना होजाएगी । मैं समझता हूं किइससे नियोक्ताओं द्वारा उल्लंघन कीवृत्तियां कमहोंगी । विधेयक काखण्ड 59 है,वह सबूत काभाग नियोजक परडालता है । अभी यहहोता थाकि नियोक्ता औरमजदूर केबीच में परिश्रम याबोनस कोलेकर कोई विवाद होता थातो इसमें सबूत काभाग नियोजक परहोगा । यह मजदूर कोसिद्ध करना पड़ता था,लेकिन अबइससे मजदूर केहितों कासंरक्षण होगा । यहएक स्वागत योग्य कदम है । डिजिटल रूप में भुगतान करने काप्रावधान करने सेपारदर्शिता, औपचारिकीकरण औरकामगारों कीमजदूरी कोसुरक्षा मिलेगी ।  

वर्ष 1969 में बैंकों काराष्ट्रीयकरण किया गया,जिसका उद्‌देश्य भारत केलोगों कोबैंकिंग व्यवस्था सेजोड़ना था,लेकिन हमसब जानते हैं कियह उद्‌देश्य कितना सफल हुआ । देश केप्रधान मंत्री आदरणीय श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी जीद्वारा वर्ष 2014 में लाई गईजन धनयोजना वास्तव में सिद्ध हुई । गरीब, मजदूर, पिछड़े, वंचित वर्ग केलोगों काखाता जीवन में पहली बार खुला औरआदरणीय मंत्री जीने कहा किडेली औरसाप्ताहिक बेसिस मजदूरी काभुगतान हो । यदि भुगतान डेली होना हैतो उसी दिन होगा, साप्ताहिक हैतो सप्ताह केअंत तकहोगा औरयदि महीने में भुगतान होना हैतो महीने केअंत तकहोगा । उसमें जोविसंगतियां होती थीं,वह समाप्त होगयी हैं औरपैसा मजदूर केखाते में जाएगा । भारत में आर्थिक क्रांति केदौर में यहपाया गया हैकि अमीर औरअमीर होता चला गया है,गरीब औरगरीब होता चला गया है । आर्थिक दृष्टि सेकिसी भीउद्योग याव्यवसाय में जितना महत्व पूंजी काहेाता है,उससे कममहत्व श्रम कानहीं होता है । श्रम कामहत्व बहुत ज्यादा होता है । इसश्रम परकिसी नेध्यान नहीं दिया, लेकिन देश केप्रधान मंत्री आदरणीय नरेन्द्र मोदी जीने औरउनकी सरकार नेसमाज केगांव, वंचित औरपिछड़े वर्ग केमजदूरों केबारे में सोचा । उसपर खरे उतरते हुए इससंहिता कोबनाने काकाम किया गया है । इसलिए सबको विश्वास हैकि मोदी हैं तोमुमकिन हैं ।

16.02 hrs                          (Shri N.K. Premachandran in the Chair) यहजो बिल लाया गया है,यह बिल वास्तव में समाज में सबसे अंतिम छोर काजो व्यक्ति है,जैसे मैंने कहा किहम पार्लियामेंट में आते हैं औरवाशरूम जाते हैं,हर व्यक्ति वाशरूम जाता है,तो हमचाहते हैं किवाशरूम साफ-सुथरा मिलना चाहिए । वाशरूम साफ-सुथरा रखने काकाम कौन करता है?यह काम हमारा कर्मचारी भाई करता है । अगर वहएक दिन काम नकरे तोहम वहां जाकर खड़े नहीं होते हैं । हमसेंट्रल हॉल में जाते हैं । वहां जाकर हमचाय-नाश्ता लेते हैं,कॉफी लेते हैं । हमजाकर देखते हैं किजिस टेबल परकचरा पड़ा हुआ हैतो हमउस टेबल परनहीं बैठते हैं । हमदूसरी टेबल परजाकर बैठते हैं । हमसाफ-सुथरी टेबल चाहते हैं । उसटेबल कोसाफ-सुथरी रखने काकाम कौन करता है?वह काम हमारा बी.वी.जी.का कर्मचारी करता है । सामाजिक जीवन केविभिन्न क्षेत्रों में सर्वाधिक महत्व मजदूर भाइयों काहोता है । इसमजदूर संघ कोपहचानने काकाम देश केप्रधान मंत्री आदरणीय नरेन्द्र मोदी जीद्वारा किया गया । इसलिए मजदूरी संहिता विधेयक, 2019 लाया गया है । मैं एकबार पुन:आदरणीय श्रम मंत्री संतोष गंगवार जीऔर देश केप्रधान मंत्री आदरणीय नरेन्द्र मोदी जीका हृदय सेआभार औरधन्यवाद इनशब्दों केसाथ व्यक्त करता हूं कि “अगर इसदेश में मजदूर नहोता, फिर नतो गेटवे ऑफइण्डिया औरन हीइण्डिया गेट होता” ।मैं इसबिल कासमर्थन करते हुए अपनी वाणी कोविराम देता हूं ।

        

*DR. D. RAVIKUMAR (VILUPPURAM): Hon. Chairman Sir, thank you for allowing me to speak on this Bill which will have an impact on the lives of crores of labourers and workers of this country. I appreciate and welcome two aspects of this Bill. First aspect is that all the labourers will get their minimum wages fixed.  Lakhs of domestic helpers particularly maids working in houses do not have a fixed wage. I welcome the provision for fixing their minimum wage and protection of their rights. Second point which I welcome in this Bill is that one-third of the members of the Boards to be set up in this regard by the Union and State Governments will be women. I am duty bound to appreciate the provision ensuring that these Board members should give suggestions with regard to employment generation for women. Another important provision mentioned in this Code is that the women should not be discriminated on the basis of gender. There should not be any gender discrimination. I welcome this aspect that there should not be any gender discrimination not only in terms of wage but in terms of employment. But at the same time, while providing wages or employment, there should not be gender discrimination and other forms like  caste discrimination and religious discrimination. Former Chairman of UGC Shri S.K. Thorat conducted research on this subject. He has published detailed report on the basis of data collected by him stating how caste discrimination and religious discrimination pre-dominate the process of providing employment in private institutions. This Code should insist that all forms of discrimination including gender discrimination should not take place. While looking at this Code I am afraid that the rights won by Dr. Ambedkar to the labourers will gradually be snatched away.  Earlier Indian labourers worked for 14 hours a day.  Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar brought this to 8 hours a day. Right to form a Trade Union by workers was provided by Dr. Ambedkar. Dr. Ambedkar only provided them the insurance facility called as ESI. He is the one who is responsible for paving the way for minimum wage in the country.  While going through the Code, fear occupies our mind whether these safety measures would be lost one after the other gradually. Particularly I want to stress here the provisions relating to minimum wage. The Code says that minimum wage will be decided either on the basis of skill or the working condition of labourers. So far, minimum wages are fixed on the basis of need of labourers. While deciding the minimum wage in the year 1957, besides the consumption of calories required by the labourer, the food, dress, and shelter needs of the labourer are also calculated and all these factors were kept in view. These things were calculated to be 20 per cent of the total wage of the labourer. In a verdict pronounced by the Hon. Supreme Court in the year 1992, the labourer, the festivals celebrated by his family, his medical needs, educational needs of his children, all these expenses are calculated. This should be 25 per cent of the wage of the labourer. The minimum wage was decided as need based so far. But in this Code, this has been changed as skill based. This brings a major change in the perspective for fixing the minimum wage. We have serious doubts that under the compulsion of the international corporate companies, whether these changes are being made to the Code on wages. When the corporate companies come to start business ventures in India, they want to appoint employees as per their whims and fancie, so that they can appoint or remove any employee as per their choice and wish. At present the labour protection laws in India are against the interest of these corporate companies. That is why we get fear that this Government is amalgamating our labour laws into four codes. Most importantly the provision which is relating to revision of wages.  So far, this was revised once in 5 years. Now also it is proposed to be the same period. But as regards the agricultural labourers demands that their wages are to be revised once in two years. There is also a long pending demand for revision of wages for other labourers once in four years. After considering this request, I urge upon the Union Government that the minimum wage should be revised at least once in every three years. Although this wage revision is done once in five years, even the employees in the organised sector are not benefitted out of this. If you see the bank employees, the talks pertaining to their wage revision have been prolonged for the last 2 years.  The talks have not concluded. Every time when the talks take place, there is a delay of at least two to three years while making revision of wages. The delayed period was not considered. Whether it is weekly wage or the monthly wage, this code says that the salary should be given within one week after the month. I welcome this provision. But even the Governmental institutions do not follow this. There are thousands of temporary employees working in BSNL. Not only BSNL, if you take up any institution for that matter, salaries have not been paid to the temporary employees of BSNL for the last 6 months. I can cite several other institutions. This Code should be suitable to all fields and departments. I urge upon the Union Government to provide guarantee for such a provision. While bringing the Code, the Government said that since there are so many labour laws, they are amalgamating four labour laws. Why should we change only the labour laws? We have so many criminal laws.  Besides these criminal laws we are bringing new legislations like NIA and UAPA.  We are bringing bills and amendment bills one after the other. The Government is not making any effort to amalgamate these criminal laws into one law. But at the same time, if the Government says that the number of labour safety laws are being minimized and brought down as four. I want to register here that this will lead to snatching away the rights of labourers which they got after a long struggle. When we talk about the minimum wages, we come to know from the history that the first recommendation for minimum wage was made at the Geneva Convention held in the year 1928.  But way back in 1920 Mr. K.G.R. Chowdry proposed the idea of  minimum wage for labourers for the first time in India. Since then we have almost completed 100 years. Now the changes brought in the Code on Wages by this Government are  dangerous and will affect crores of labourers and workers of the country. The Government should include the safety measures in this Bill for the labourers. Otherwise I urge that this Bill should be sent for the consideration of the Standing Committee. Thank you for this opportunity. Vanakkam.

 

PROF. SOUGATA RAY (DUM DUM): Sir, I rise to speak on Code of Wages, 2019. I will not speak on the Bill for long because it was placed in this House in 2017. It went to the Standing Committee, then It came back, and it was again placed in 2018. This is a codification of that Bill.  Basically, it is an amalgamation of four bills, that is, the Minimum Wages Act, the Equal Remuneration Act, Payment of Wages Act, and the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965. Later, I will explain whether this Bill is an improvement of all these four Bills or not. 

       Now, the amalgamation has been done at the behest of the employers.  In fact, the Government has proposed that they will put all the labour laws in five Codes. As per the CII statement, the employers want only one Code and the Government has somewhat bent down to assuage the feelings.

       Sir, it is not the law that really matters. You come from Kollam, the centre of cashew industry. The condition of workers in this country is very bad. It is so bad that I was unable to do trade unionism anymore. The workers will have a bargaining power as long as the management is making profit.

But as soon as it starts making losses, ultimately, the question becomes how many jobs you may be able to save. I got tired of negotiating for retaining workers in a company, let alone talk about their wages in this pathetic situation. This has been happening ever since liberalisation started in the country in 1991 and this has been aggravated in the few years of NDA rule where the employers feel very strong.

There is the Minimum Wages Act and the Payment of Bonus Act. Which worker will calculate the allocable surplus from the profit by analysing the balance sheet? It is nobody. What help will the Government give them to calculate the allocable surplus? It is nothing. In the Payment of Bonus Act as also in the Code on Wages, the minimum of 8.33 per cent and maximum of 20 per cent is fixed, but the Bill cannot help much as far as allocable surplus is concerned or productivity-linked bonus is concerned. The pathetic situation of workers in this country is that they are fighting with their back to the wall to save their existing privilege.

In trade union parlance we use the words ‘existing benefits cannot be curtailed’. I can show you company after company where the existing benefits of workers have been curtailed or where employment has been curtailed, and neither the State Governments nor the Central Government have been able to prevent it. Now, the biggest thing is that it is said manufacturing is only 25 per cent of GDP of India as the main income comes from the service sector. How many unions are there in the Call Centres? There are none. How many unions are there in the IT industry? There are none. Women are working in the IT industry. What protection have you been able to give them through trade unions? There is none. The workers are caught in this whirlpool where they are losing their basics. It is for all those. I do not know, but even in BJP there may be some people who think of the workers and others are not much concerned. They are ‘Jai Shri Ram’ people. So, they are not much concerned about them. …(Interruptions)

 

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL): We all are concerned about them.

 

PROF. SAUGATA ROY: But those who think about the organized working class will realise that there will be nothing unless the organized working class can survive.

       Another thing is that formerly the public sector was there, which was seen as an ideal employer. Now, the public sectors are shutting down one by one. I just went to see Shri Sadananda Gowda to please save one company in my Constituency, namely, Bengal Chemicals from being strategically sold. So, public sector, which was an ideal employer, is now shrinking. There is no fallback for the working class as such. They are not getting wages, and they are being deprived of bonus.

If a company defaults on payment of wages, then one will have to go to the Payment of Wages court. Who will write the application for the workers? We, white-collared people, entered into trade unions because the workers cannot write an application in English. The Bill talks about appointing a facilitator. Will the facilitator help trade unions or the ordinary workers to draft petition or draft appeals to the different courts? These are matters to be thought over.

Today, having a Labour Code or not having a Labour Code, these laws were there earlier also. What else has Mr. Gangwar, after all his efforts, done? If you see this Bill and if go through the four Acts, namely, the Payment of Wages Act, the Payment of Minimum Wages Act, Equal Remuneration Act and Payment of Bonus Act, there is not much difference.

       It is the same thing amalgamated into one. Only thing is that there are some good features. For the first time, floor wages for the whole country in different geographical areas have been fixed. It is a good thing. The new thing is, Inspectors-cum-Facilitators are being appointed to overcome the Inspection Raj. Inspectors only went to companies, took their money and returned. So, if the Facilitators help the working class, it would be a good thing.

       There is an Appellate Authority against the order of Payment of Wages Court. Now, an Under Secretary level officer of the Government of India has been appointed to dispose of cases, punishable with a fine of Rs.50,000. That is a good thing. Some cases will be disposed of. Advisory Board at the Central and State levels is being formed. It is a good thing though I know that the Advisory Board would meet once in one year, drink tea, eat some biscuits, and depart. I have been a member of many advisory boards in my life. They serve no purpose because  they have got no Executive powers. So, some members in the board shout a little, others will sit quiet, have tea and samosa will come, they take that, and depart. That is no solution.

This Bill, as I said, amalgamates well. It provides all essential elements of wages, equal remuneration, payment, and bonus. Regarding minimum wages, I would say that even for implementing minimum wages we have to struggle.  But at least minimum wages give some protection. In some organisations like the Central Government organisations, once the minimum wage is notified, it is paid. So, minimum wages are good.

You said that minimum wages would take into consideration skill differential. Skills require an awareness of the work and geographical location. It is a good formula for minimum wages. They would appoint as many committees as necessary. It is a good thing.

The Bill has included working journalists including TV journalists. Sales promotion employees will be covered. I think, the Labour Minister had gone to Kolkata and had a meeting with cine workers where the BJP had formed a union. You promised them that you would give them some relief. Please do. Whether it helps the BJP or not? Please do something for the cine workers. They are in a bad situation. But for a Central Minister to go to a few people in the sign industry does not behove.  किसी छोटे-मोटे नेता कोभेज देते, आपको जाने कीक्या जरूरत थी?फिल्म एक्टर्स आपसे मिले थे ।

श्री संतोषकुमार गंगवार:नहीं, मैं नहीं गया था ।

 

प्रो.सौगत राय:आप नहीं गएथे तोयह अच्छी बात है,मत जाइए ।

       Sir, the overtime has been fixed. It would be twice the normal rate of deduction. So, I shall speak again about the occupational issue. This Code of Wages makes the statute book only smaller. It does not solve any problems. Think of a way to give workers a little more strength; think of a way so that workers can lead their own unions, and do not need babus like me to write their petitions and letters. Think of a way where the workers can work without the help of advocates from outside, who make a killing out of their misery. We want wages; we want organised working class to survive. If they go, Ambanis and Adanis would be happy but the nation will be very unhappy. With these words, I would say that I have nothing against this Bill. I have 20 or so amendments but they are all procedural in nature. Basically, I am not objecting to the idea of having a single law. You have maintained the basic rights that workers do, so I have no objection to the Bill as such. With these words, I end my speech.

   

HON. CHAIRPERSON : Thank you, Prof. Saugata Roy ji. I think there is a good support for the Bill.

 

SHRI N. REDDEPPA (CHITTOOR): Hon. Chairman, at the outset, I would like to thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak on the Code on Wages Bill, 2019.

       Sir, the Bill seeks to regulate wage and bonus payments in all employments where any industry, trade, business, or manufacture is carried out. It is good that universal minimum wages are there and transparent wage payment system is incorporated in the Bill. But my strong feeling is that it is better to have a revision in every two or three years. Five years’ time is too long for revision since inflation is increasing year by year and the cost of living depends on the movements in the presidencies. The minimum wages often serve as the basis for wages bargain. Hence, it is very essential that the revision of minimum wages should not take place in very long intervals. Two or three years would be ideal.

       The welcome features are proper wages, equal remuneration, timely payment, and bonus. The Bill provides basic rate of wages and cost of living allowance, and cash value concessions. The minimum wages should be revised and reviewed by the Central and State Governments. While fixing minimum wages, the Government may take into account factors such as skilled workers and difficulty of work.

       Sir, periodically, the Central and State Governments, from time to time, constitute the Pay Commission to revise the salaries and allowances of all the concerned officials from top to bottom whereas there is no such provision for factory workers and daily wage workers. They also have to be taken care of by the Government alone.

       Under our dynamic, hon. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, with a long-run ideology, this Government provided insurance to the workers which is a great boon to the workers besides providing facilities like medical aid and schemes for the welfare of the workers’ children. It is greatly appreciated. This Bill contains fixation of wages for the workers which is invited with a good motive. Besides daily labour, factory workers have been given priority in the contents of the Bill. It is a part and parcel of my speech.

       There are different classes of workers who depend upon wages. Their employer has to agree to extend the facilities mentioned under this Bill. Social security has to be given with a strong legislation. The minimum wages can vary from time to time as per the rates of the commodities. Fixing of minimum wages is based on the circumstances. Payment of bonus will be applicable for workers of the factory but if the worker is not permanent, what is the guarantee of the social security and bonus for him? Equal remuneration is possible for all the workers in a uniform manner. How to justify the manner and mechanism for this? The State Governments and the Central Government have been providing jobs to unemployed on daily wages, particularly, in the departments like municipalities, forests, revenue, and electricity departments for years together without making them permanent. This is nothing but bonded labour. Hence, I urge the Government to take appropriate steps to streamline the system        Sir, please remember those twenty Tamil coolies, red sandal workers, who were killed by the police during Telugu Desam Party regime in my State, particularly, in Chittoor District.

Those red sandal tree cutting coolies did not commit any crime. To safeguard their children and family members, they used to engage in coolie work. But unfortunately, those coolies were killed by the police. The Telugu Desam Party Government of the day cannot be excused for doing this.

       Article 16 of the Constitution speaks about equality before law. All workers, men and women, are equal and they have to be provided equal wages without any discrimination. Article 24 speaks about prohibition of children from working in factories. No children below the age of 14 shall be employed as workers. This Parliament is empowered to make suitable laws to provide minimum wages to the concerned.

     

       Sir, please remember the craftsmanship of weavers of Andhra Pradesh who could weave sarees that could fit in a match box. We have to remember the skills of those workers and provide proper identity and minimum wages to them.

       Thank you very much, Sir.

 

SHRI GAJANAN KIRTIKAR (MUMBAI NORTH-WEST): Hon. Chairman, Sir, I thank you for allowing me to speak on the Code on Wages, 2019. I rise to support this Bill. While supporting this Bill, I congratulate the hon. Labour Minister Santosh Kumar Ji.  मैं पर्सनली आपको कान्‍ग्रेचुलेट करता हूं ।

       The Second National Commission on Labour in its report in 2002 recommended that the existing state of labour laws should be broadly amalgamated among groups such as industrial relations, wages, social security, safety, and welfare and working conditions. I, a Member of Parliament from Shiv Sena Party, am closely associated with the trade union movement in the economic capital of the country Mumbai for the last five decades, especially in banking, insurance, oil companies, government and semi-government establishments including the airport and airline sectors. Colleague Member of Parliament Shri Vinayak Raut is also engaged in the trade union activities in airports.

       Earlier it was difficult to refer to multiple laws to redress the grievances of workers. Now with the consideration and passing of this Bill, it would become much easier to simply refer to four labour codes as against existing 44 labour laws.

       The Statement of Objects and Reasons says that the forthcoming Labour Code will be applicable to all employees covering both organised and unorganised sectors. My question is, are rikshaw pullers, cab drivers, temporary workers, contractual labour, hotel and restaurant employees, fireworks employees, seasonal industrial workers covered in this unorganised labour or not?  I would like to place on record here that while we talk of the minimum wage here, employees of Government companies like BSNL and MTNL have not been able to get their salary for the last six months.

       The provision relating to timely payment of wages and authorised deduction from wages shall be made applicable to employees irrespective of wage ceiling. These provisions will bring a great upliftment in the lives of labour especially the unorganised labour. I, therefore, stand in favour of this Bill.

As we all know, a small reform brings a great change in the lives of employees. In a similar way, the provision of Inspector-cum-Facilitator in the place of Inspectors is a very good suggestion. With this, I hope the Inspector raj would come to an end.

       It provides equal remuneration to the employees irrespective of the gender for the same work or work of similar nature done by the employee. I am thankful to the hon. Minister for bringing in this reform. It will do justice to all the women of the nation working for the bread and butter for their loved ones.

       Regarding National Minimum Wage, the Bill provides us with the factors to be taken into account while fixing the minimum wages, namely, the skill required; the arduousness of the work assigned; location of the workplace; and other aspects which the appropriate Government considers necessary.

       While appreciating this reform, I would like to suggest an addition that the minimum wage structure proposed by the National Minimum Wage Commission should be taken into consideration – the higher rate of living in the metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru. This will be a relief for the labourers engaged in small scale industries and a large section of the masses struggling for the requisite amount for their livelihood.

       The Central and State Governments will constitute their respective advisory boards. The boards will have representation from employees, employers, and independent persons. Further, one-third of the total members will be women. The boards will advise the respective State Governments on aspects including, fixation of minimum wages; increasing employment opportunities for women; and any other matter relating to this Code. The decision will enhance the coverage of safety, health, and working conditions provisions manifold.

       Regarding claims under the Code, it is mentioned in the report that to hear and settle the claims, which arises under the provision of this Code, the Government may appoint one or more authorities. The application for such claims may be filed within a period of three years from the date on which claim arises. The existing time limit for filing such claims is varying from six months to two years. This will be an enormous relief to the workers to settle their claims.

       It also talks about permitting women to work beyond 7 p.m. and before 6 a.m., subject to safety, holidays, working hours, and conditions as prescribed by the appropriate Government in respect of prescribed establishments and very importantly, only after taking their consent to work at night. This reform will take care of thousands of mothers and sisters working during night hours for the betterment of their families.

       The Bill has provisions not only for the benefit of workers but it also aims to ensure ease of doing business for firms. It prescribes one registration for an establishment. The provision of ‘one licence, one return’ in place of multiple licences and returns in existing 13 labour laws is subsumed in the Code. One licence and one return will save time, resources and efforts of establishments and it will strengthen the business policy of the nation.

       I would like to add that labour welfare is one of the major aspects of national programmes towards the betterment of the majority of society. Through these provisions, we have initiated a step towards the welfare of workers’ lives. As our nation was taken to the path of economic growth under liberalisation and globalisation, there was a need of law for the welfare of labourers as well as trade union movement.

       Lastly, development of any country mostly depends upon the growth of industries and business. This amendment will boost the morale of the worker and ultimately the productivity of industries and organisations. It will also help to reduce the chances of industrial disputes like strikes and lockouts. This will develop a sense of responsibility and dignity among the workers. It will also help to make workmen worthy citizens and an important part of national development.

I, on behalf of my party and all associated unions, once again congratulate you for this reform. Thank you.

 

श्री दुलालचंद्र गोस्वामी (कटिहार): सभापतिमहोदय, मैंआपकेमाध्यमसे मजदूरीसंहिता, 2019 जोभारतसरकारलायीहै, उसकेलिए मैंभारतसरकारको, खासकरके श्रममंत्रीसंतोषगंगवारजी कोअपनीतरफ सेऔर अपनीपार्टीकी तरफहृदयसे धन्यवाददेताहूं ।आपनेएक बहुतबड़ा साहसिककाम कियाहै । एकपुरानाकानूनजो आजादीसे पहलेसे चलाआ रहाथा, उसकोबदलनेके लिएसत्तामें आएहुए किसीभी राजनीतिकदल नेहिम्मतनहींदिखाई ।लेकिन, नरेन्द्रभाई मोदीजी केनेतृत्वमें जोकेंद्रमें सरकारबनी, उन्होंनेआजादीसे पहलेके इसघिसे-पिटेकानूनको बदलनेका कामकिया ।यह कानूनमजदूरसंबंधीआचारसंहिताके 44 कानूनोंको एकसाथ लेकरचलताथा । अबयह कानून4 संहिताके तहतकाम करेगा ।

       सभापतिमहोदय, मैंआपकोबतानाचाहताहूं किवह कौन-सीपरिस्थितिथी किआजादीसे पहलेके वेतनभुगतानएक्ट1936 इसदेश मेंआजादीके 70 सालोंके बादभी लागूथा । इसीतरह सेन्यूनतमवेतनएक्ट1950, बोनसभुगतानएक्ट1965, सामान्यश्रमिकपरिश्रमएक्ट1976, अबतक हमलोग इनकानूनोंको लेकरचल रहेथे । वैसेमजदूरजो विभिन्नक्षेत्रोंमें कामकर रहेथे, वेइन कानूनीपेचीदगियोंको समझही नहींपातेथे, जिससेमजदूरोंको सहीरूप सेन्यायप्राप्तनहींहोताथा । लेकिन, आजइस बातकी खुशीहै किसभी श्रमिककानूनोंको एकसाथ समाहितकरकेभारतसरकारने एकसम्यककानूनको 4 संहितामें लाकरएक सराहनीयकार्यकियाहै । इसकेलिए मैंपुन: भारतसरकारको बधाईदेताहूं ।

इसकेसाथ-साथमैं कहनाचाहताहूं किभारतसरकारने सलाहकारबोर्डका गठनकरकेमजदूरोंके वेजेजतय करनेका कार्यकियाहै, यहबहुतही अच्छाहै औरमजदूरोंके हितमें है । भारतसरकारका जोन्यूनतमवेज है, राज्यसरकारेंउसकेनीचेजाकरवेज कोतय नहींकर सकतीहैं ।वेज निर्धारणके लिएजो सलाहकारबोर्डबनेगा, उसमेंकर्मचारियोंके प्रतिनिधिरहेंगे, नियोक्ताके प्रतिनिधिभी समानुपातीरूप सेरहेंगे ।राज्यसरकारकी तरफसे एकसामान्यप्रतिनिधिस्वतंत्ररूप सेऔर एक-तिहाईमहिलाके भीप्रतिनिधिरहेंगे । 

इसएक्टमें सबसेअच्छीबात यहहै किइसमेंमहिलाओंके लिएरोजगारके अवसरबढ़ानाऔर महिलाओंकी सुरक्षाको भीध्यानमें रखागया है । यहभी एकमहत्वपूणबात है । इसकेलिए भीमैं माननीयमंत्रीजी कोधन्यवाददेनाचाहताहूं ।इसकेसाथ एकअच्छीबात इसमेंयह भीआई कियदि मजदूरकाम केतय समयके अतिरिक्तकाम करतेहैं तोउस कामके एवजमें जोघंटेका वेजेजतय हैउससेदोगुनावेजेजउनकोदेनापड़ेगा ।यह अच्छीबात हैऔर मजदूरोंके हितमें है । इसकेलिए भीमैं माननीयमंत्रीजी कोधन्यवाददेनाचाहताहूं ।

लेकिन, मैंकुछ औरबातोंकी तरफभी आपकाध्यानआकर्षितकरानाचाहताहूं ।

हमसभी श्रमिक संगठनों केसहयोग केबिना मजदूरों काहित नहीं करसकते हैं,इस दिशा में भीसरकार कोकाम करना चाहिए । संगठित क्षेत्र केमजदूरों केहितों में काम करने केलिए सारी व्यवस्थाएं हैं,लेकिन मैं कहना चाहता हूं किहिन्दुस्तान बहुत बड़ा देश है,यह कृषि प्रधान देश भीहै । विभिन्न आर्थिक सर्वे केअनुसार कृषि केक्षेत्र में,घरेलू कामगार केक्षेत्र में,और विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में असंगठित क्षेत्र काजो मजदूर है,माननीय मंत्री जीने कहा हैकि 30 करोड़ केलगभग असंगठित क्षेत्र केमजदूर हैं,लेकिन विभिन्न आर्थिक सर्वे केआधार परआया हैकि देश में 40 से 42 करोड़ केलगभग असंगठित क्षेत्र केमजदूर हैं । असंगठित क्षेत्र केमजदूरों केहितों कीसुरक्षा करना आजदेश में सरकार केलिए औरहम सभी केलिए बड़ी चुनौती है । आपजो यहप्रभावी कानून लेकर आएहै, उससे असंगठित क्षेत्र केमजदूरों परभी प्रभाव पड़ेगा औरजो मजदूर संहिता विधेयक 2019 आया है,निश्चित हीइसका लाभ असंगठित क्षेत्र केमजदूरों कोभी मिलेगा । इसपर भीसरकार कोगंभीरता सेविचार करना चाहिए । हमारे देश केसरकारी क्षेत्र में असंगठित क्षेत्र केमजदूरों केलिए कईबेहतर प्रयास किए गएहैं, लेकिन आजमैं कहना चाहता हूं किअसंगठित क्षेत्र में महिलाएं भीकार्य करती हैं । जिस तरह से ‘बेटी पढ़ाओ, बेटी बचाओ’ अभियान केतहत महिलाएं हिंसा काशिकार नहों, उनके साथ किसी भीतरह काकार्यक्षेत्र में कोई दुर्व्यवहार नहों, सुरक्षा कीबात होइस तरह सेअन्य संगठित क्षेत्र यासरकारी सेक्टर में काम करने वाली महिला मजदूरों केलिए ऐसी व्यवस्था नहीं है । मंत्री महोदय, इसपर भीध्यान देने कीजरूरत है ।

सभापति महोदय, बहुत कमसमय है । मैं अपना भाषण कमसमय में समाप्त करूंगा । खासकर असंगठित क्षेत्र में जोमजदूर हैं,इनमें दलित वर्ग के,पिछड़े समाज केऔर घुमन्तुक परिवार केलोग आते हैं,उनके हितों कीरक्षा करने परसरकार कोध्यान देना चाहिए । हमकेवल दोविषयों कीतरफ माननीय मंत्री जीका ध्यान आकर्षित करना चाहेंगे । पहला विषय यहहै किमजदूरी संहिता अनुच्छेद में न्यूनतम वेतन देश में सभी केलिए अनिवार्य है । इससाल केइकोनोमिकल सर्वे परगौर करें तोदेश केजो एकतिहाई मजदूर हैं,उनको न्यूनतम वेतन नहीं मिला है । हालांकि इससंहिता केआने सेदेश केलगभग 10 राज्यों में जोन्यूनतम वेतन है,चूंकि मैं उनराज्यों कानाम नहीं लेना चाहूंगा, मेरे पास उनकी लिस्ट है,लेकिन मुझे इसबात काविश्वास हैकि उनराज्यों में जोमजदूर हैं,उन्हें समान वेतन कालाभ मिलेगा । आपने जोफॉर्मूला निकाला है,अगर इसका कोई उल्लंघन करे तोउसके लिए सख्त प्रोविजन होना चाहिए । अगर प्रोविजन कमजोर रखेंगे तोनियोक्ता कमवेतन देकर बचजाएंगे, इसलिए उसपर कठोर कार्रवाई होऔर उसमें सजा काप्रोविजन भीहो ।

दूसरी बात मैं यहकहना चाहता हूं किजो मेरी चिंता हैऔर मेरी पार्टी कीचिंता है,हमें लगता हैकि हमारे श्रमिक संगठनों कोभी इसबात कीचिंता होगी । अगर किसी भीसंस्था में 10 से कम  मजदूर काम करते हैं,जो नियोजित मजदूर हैं तोउनको इससंहिता में नहीं लाया जारहा है । अभी तोकान्ट्रेक्ट औरठेके मजदूर कासिस्टम हैऔर जोछोटी कंपनिया हैं उसमें वेयह कोशिश करेंगे किसात सेआठ मजदूरों कोउनमें नियोजित करके रखें औरबाकी ठेका मजदूर सेकाम लें । अगर आपइन मजदूरों केबारे में नही सोचेंगे तोइसमें कंपनियां खुद कोबचाने काकाम करेगी । आपको इसपर ध्यान देना चाहिए । हमारी एकचिन्ता औरहै, आपने इंस्पेक्टर राज खत्म करने कीबात कीहै, फेसिलिटेटर कीबात कररहे हैं,यह अच्छी बात है । लेकिन मैं बिहार में लेबर मिनिस्टर भीरहा हूं,अगर सतत रूप सेसरकार औरलेबर विभाग केलोग वहां नहीं जाते हैं,तो कभी-कभी नियोक्ताओं कामन बढ़भी जाता है । नियोक्ताओं कोप्रोत्साहित करने केलिए आपयह काम कररहे हैं,लेकिन मजदूरों कोवहां हानि होसकती है,इसलिए चेक औरबैलेंस काभी काम करना पड़ेगा ।

अन्त में,मैं यही कहूंगा किआप जोमजदूरी संहिता, 2019 लाए हैं,इसका मेरी पार्टी समर्थन करती है,मैं समर्थन करता हूं औरमुझे विश्वास हैकि इसके बलपर देश केमजदूरों काहित होगा । यहबिल लाने केलिए मैं पुन:मंत्री जीऔर सरकार कोधन्यवाद देता हूं ।

 

SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU (BEHRAMPUR): Hon. Chairperson, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to present the views of our Biju Janata Dal Party on ‘The Code on Wages, 2019, which has 69 Clauses and around 14 sub-clauses.

       At the outset, I would like to say that reforms in labour laws are an ongoing process in the country and accordingly, the legislative mechanism is also being continuously updated to address the need of the time and make them more effective and contemporary to the emerging challenges and economic and industrial scenario. The amalgamation of four Acts will facilitate the implementation and also remove the multiplicity of definitions and authorities without compromising on the basic concept of welfare and benefits to workers in the country. I hope this Bill will address about 14 definitions of wages in the different laws which has a lot of litigation and also difficult in its implementation.

       Sir, before I come to minimum wages, my hon. Chief Minister, Shri Naveen Patnaik has taken very many revolutionary steps for the welfare of labourers in the field of construction, agriculture, and general labour.

Clause 5 of the Bill states that no employer shall pay to any employee wages less than the minimum rate of wages notified by the appropriate Government.

 

Clause 6 (1) says that subject to the provisions of section 9, the appropriate Government shall fix the minimum rate of wages payable to employees in accordance with the provision of section 8, which states in (1) that in fixing minimum rates of wages for the first time or in revising minimum rates of wages under this Code, the appropriate Government shall either -- (a) appoint as many committees as it considers necessary, or -- (b) by notification, publish its proposals for the information of persons likely to be affected thereby.

Under Clause 42(1), the Central Government shall constitute the Central Advisory Board, which shall consist of persons to be nominated by the Central Government: representing employers; representing employees which shall be equal in number; independent persons; and five representatives of such State Governments as may be nominated by the Central Government.

Similar provision has been made for the State Advisory Board in this Bill. These Advisory Boards have a very important role in the Code of Wages Bill. They have to work in a vast area and for a huge number of employees.

So, my suggestion, through you, to the hon. Minister is that we can consider that there should be a provision for domain expert in these Advisory Boards who can know the issues on the field for which these advisory boards are working.

 

       Sir, I would also like to suggest that revision of minimum rates of wages should be linked with ‘Consumer Price Index’ so that the workers or employers, covered under this Code, can be protected from rise in price and inflation in the market.

However, Sir, the implementation of this Code is very difficult because we have a huge labour force in our country and in the absence of reliable statistics on the size of our work force distribution or its contribution to the economy, the sector remains a poorly understood and a grossly neglected area.

According to the Economic Survey of 2018-19, almost 93 per cent of the total workforce is informal.  However, the NITI Aayog's strategy for New India at 75 said by some estimates that India's informal sector employs approximately 85 per cent of all workers. What are the sources of this information, the Economic Survey has not disclosed, however, the Niti Aayog does cite a 2014 report of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development India Policy Brief: Education and Skills. But Sir, we have at present more than 97 per cent of the total labour force  in unorganised sector. How is this Code on Wages Bill going to address the problems or issues being faced by them? The organised sector has only 3 per cent of labour force. In 2004, the organised sector had seven per cent whereas it was 93 per cent in unorganised sector. The trend of employment in the country has changed after the globalization and free economy. A lot of new type of job opportunities have come thereafter and it has also increased the strength of unorganised sector.

Sir, when we are not able to identify the exact number of our workforce in unorganised sector, how can we analyse their working conditions, social security, occupational safety, health and other benefits?  So it is my request to the Government to strengthen the system for identification of our informal sector workforce first.

The trend of contractual employment has increased and these contractual employees are now engaged by contractors only. The organisations and companies authorise the contractors to provide manpower for them against the payment of prevailing wage rates but contractors do not give wages to the workforce as per the norms fixed by the government or we can say the minimum wages are not being paid to them. The other benefits like bonus, insurance, provident fund, and medical facilities are  also not being provided to these contractual workforce. We have started this practice of leaving our liability towards workforce but at the same time we have not made any provision to check the exploitation of contractual workers and labourers. I have a doubt how the Code on Wages Bill, 2019 is going to address these very much important issues.

The experience or length of service or expatriation of individual workers or labourers is also not considered by these contractors while engaging them. These issues of workers need to be addressed in the Code on Wages. The lack of consistency in definitions within the Code may lead to employers discriminating between workers and employees. Since minimum wage is a matter of right for every working person, a common and comprehensive definition of employees or workers should be given in the Code and experience and length of service and experience in the field or in the organisation or otherwise should also be taken into account while fixing minimum wages.

HON. CHAIRPERSON: You please conclude by placing your last sentence.  You have been given ample time.

SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU : Sir, please give me some more time. 

I have to mention here one more thing that provision of bonus payment as recommended by the Standing Committee which were of the opinion that threshold for application of bonus payment will not apply as per the provisions of Code to the establishments in which ten or more persons are employed as per Wage Bill, 2017.   In view of the present globalisation trend, the ceiling for minimum number of employees may be removed since there are institutions which took the benefit of this ceiling by reducing the number of employees in their books.

17.00 hrs                    (Shri P.V. Midhun Reddy in the Chair)        With regard to payment of wages in Chapter III under Clauses 15 and 16 it is stated that all wages shall be paid in current coin or currency notes or by cheques or by crediting the wages in the bank accounts of the employees or  through electronic mode, provided that the appropriate Government, may by notification specify the industrial or other establishment, the employer of which shall pay to every person employed in such industrial or other establishment, the wages only by cheque or by crediting the wages in his bank account.

       Sir, in this connection, our Biju Janata Dal is of the firm view that to bring in transparency as well as check in payment of wages by the employer, be it in the organised or in the unorganised, there should be no cash transaction on account of wages. …(Interruptions)

       Hon. Chairperson, Sir, through you I would like to urge upon the Government to incorporate the workforce engaged in providing domestic help in this Code on Wages Bill.

       Sir, with these words, I support the Bill. …(Interruptions)

       

श्री मलूकनागर (बिजनौर): सभापतिजी, आपकाबहुत-बहुतधन्यवादकि आपनेमुझेइतनेमहत्वपूर्णबिल परबोलनेका मौकादिया ।मैं  बहनकुमारीमायावतीजी कोभी बहुत-बहुतशुक्रियाकहनाचाहताहूं, क्योंकिवे श्रमिकों, मजदूरोंका बहुतख्यालरखतीहैं औरदेश स्तरपर उनकेहितोंकी रक्षाकरतीहैं तथाइनसेसंबंधितमुद्‌दोंको उठातीरहतीहैं ।

       महोदय, श्रमिकोंको हमसंगठितऔर असंगठितदो भागोंमें बांटसकतेहैं ।संगठितमजदूरोंके बारेमें बहुतसारेमाननीयसदस्योंने बहुत-सीबातेंकही हैं । जोअसंगठितमजदूरहैं, उनमेंभट्‌टामजदूरहैं, खेतमजदूरहैं, गांवमें गटर, नालीआदि साफकरनेवालेऔर घरेलूमजदूरहैं ।जो भट्‌टामजदूरहैं, ऊपरवालान करेयदि भट्‌टेके व्यवसायमें भट्‌टेवालेको नुकसानहो जाए, तोभट्‌टाभट्‌टेवालेका नहींबैठता, बल्किवहांकाम करनेवालेमजदूरका भट्‌टाबैठ जाताहै क्योंकिउसकीपूरीतनख्वाहरोक दीजातीहै । मैंचाहताहूं किसरकारकी तरफसे कोईऐसा प्रोविजनरखा जाएकि हरभट्‌टेवालेके पासएक ऐसीसरकारीव्यवस्थाहो, जिसकेद्वाराइंस्पेक्टरया विभागके अधिकारीसमय-समयपर उनसेबात करकेउनकेहितोंकी रक्षाकरतेरहें ।

       महोदय, यहांहमारेबहुतसारेकिसानसाथीबैठेहैं औरबड़े-बड़ेजमींदारभी हैं । उनकेयहांजो मजदूरकाम करतेहैं, खासकर बहुजनसमाजसे वेमजदूरजुड़ेहुए हैं । वेजब कामकरतेहैं तोउनकीहिम्मतनहींहोतीहै किवे अपनेमालिकसे सरउठाकरबात करसकें ।जब धानकी फसलहोतीहै, तोवे पूरा-पूरादिन पानीमें खड़ेरहकरकाम करतेहैं ।उनकेपैर गलजातेहैं, उनकीअंगुलियांबीच मेंसे गलजातीहैं, उन्हेंएलर्जीहो जातीहै । पूरादिन कामकरनेके बादउन्हेंसौ रुपये, कहींडेढ़ सौरुपये, कहींसत्तररुपयेया कहींदो सौरुपयेमजदूरीदी जातीहै । मिनिममवेजेजकी बातकेवलसदन मेंकही जातीहै यासंगठितक्षेत्रपर लागूहोतीहै । जोअसंगठितक्षेत्रहै, जहांउसकेसाथ कोईदूसरामजदूरभी खड़ानहींहै, वहांमिनिममवेज लागूनहींहोतीहै । मैंचाहताहूं किऐसी व्यवस्थाहो, जहांगांवस्तरपर, हरजमींदारस्तरपर पताहो किये मजदूरकाम कररहे हैंऔर उनकेहितोंकी रक्षाकी जासके ।

       मान्यवर, गांवमें नालियां, गटरआदि साफकरनेवालेजो मजदूरहैं, उन्हेंवेजेजके रूपमें धननहींमिलताहै । लोगउन्हेंखानादे देतेहैं याकोई अन्यकाम मेंआने वालीचीजेंदे देतेहैं ।मैं चाहताहूं किऐसी व्यवस्थाहो किजो हमारेसफाईमजदूरहैं, जबउनकेहितोंपर चोटलगे याउन्हेंपैसेन मिलेंया खानेके लिएभी उन्हेंतानासुननापड़े, तबउनकेहितोंकी रक्षाहो औरसमय-समयपर उनपर ध्यानदियाजाए ।

       मान्यवर, असंगठित क्षेत्र में घरेलू मजदूर भीआते हैं । हमारे कईसाथी भीइस बारे में बोल रहे थे । मैं भीआपका ध्यान इसतरफ आकर्षित करना चाहूंगा । इनमजदूरों केलिए कोई समय सीमा नहीं होती है । उनकी फैमली में कोई व्यक्ति सुबह चार बजे उठता है,कोई पांच बजे उठता हैऔर कोई छ: बजे उठता है । चाय-नाश्ते केबाद उनमें सेएक रात कोनौ बजे डिनर करेगा, एकदस बजे करेगा औरएक बारह बजे करेगा । अत:उनके लिए कोई समय सीमा नहीं है । उनसे सुबह सेलेकर देर रात तककाम कराया जाता है,लेकिन उनकी तनख्वाह वही रहती है ।

       मान्यवर, मैं अपनी बात समाप्त कररहा हूं । उनकी तनख्वाह केलिए ऐसी कोई व्यवस्था कीजाए, जिससे शहरों में घर-घर जाकर जोये असंगठित क्षेत्र केलोग हैं,जो बड़े-बड़े लोगों कीकोठियों में काम करते हैं,उनके हितों कीरक्षा कीजाए औरसमय कीपाबंदी कीजाए ‍कि इससमय सेलेकर इससमय तककी जोमिनिमम वेज है,वह यहहै, अगर उसटाइम सेज्यादा उनसे काम कराया जाए तोउनको दोगुनी ज्यादा ओवरटाइम तनख्वाह मिलनी चाहिए ।

       मान्यवर, अबसंगठित क्षेत्र आता है । इससंगठित क्षेत्र में कईबार कमपैसे देकर ज्यादा पैसों केकागज परसाइन करा लिए जाते हैं । इसके लिए भीव्यवस्था कराई जाए,इसका ध्यान रखा जाए । मैं न्यूनतम वेजेज़ कीओर ध्यान दिलाना चाहता हूं । बहुत सेलोग ऐसे हैं,जिनको यदि न्यूनतम वेज सेआधे परभी रोज़गार मिल जाए तोवे करने कोतैयार हैं । सरकार इनके हितों कीतो रक्षा करे ही,जिनके पास रोज़गार नहीं है,उनके हितों कीभी सरकार रक्षा करे ।

       संगठित क्षेत्र में दोक्षेत्र, प्राइवेट औरसरकारी, आते हैं । प्राइवेट क्षेत्र में भीमजदूरों केसाथ बहुत ज्यादती होती है । इनके लिए ऐसी व्यवस्था हो,जो अभी चलरही व्यवस्था सेज्यादा चुस्त-दुरुस्त हो । इसको सख्ती सेलागू किया जाए । जोसरकारी क्षेत्र है,जैसे उड्डयन मंत्रालय है,दूर संचार मंत्रालय है,सरकार इनका प्राइवेटाइज़ेशन करने कीसोच रही है । जोलोग इनमें काम करते हैं,जो श्रमिक कीश्रेणी में आते हैं,अगर इसका प्राइवेटाइज़ेशन करदिया तोअडानी जैसे पूंजीपति लोग इसे खरीदेंगे । ऐसे में इनक्षेत्रों केश्रमिकों केहितों कीरक्षा कैसे होगी, इसओर माननीय मंत्री जीको ध्यान देना चाहिए ।

       मान्यवर, मैं आधे मिनट में अपनी बात कनक्लूड करूंगा । मैं कहना चाहूंगा किइस बिल कोदोबारा स्टैंडिंग कमेटी केपास भेजा जाए औरसभी पार्टियों केनेताओं कोबुलाकर, उनके साथ विचार-विमर्श करके इसमें संशोधन किए जाएं । हमआंशिक रूप सेइसका विरोध करते हैं । इसमें संशोधन करके इसे दोबारा सदन में पेश किया जाए । आपका बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद ।

 

श्री नामा नागेश्वर राव (खम्माम) : सभापति महोदय, धन्यवाद । आप पहली बार चेयर पर बैठे हैं, जिससे मुझे मौका मिला है । तेलुगू राज्य के चेयरमैन चेयर पर बैठे हैं, यह बहुत खुशी की बात है ।

       महोदय, जिस तरह मिनिस्टर साहब ने इस बिल के बारे में जो डिटेल्स एक्सप्लेन की हैं, उनमें सबसे इम्पॉर्टेंट यह है कि आपने इसमें चार बिल्स को इन्क्लूड कर के कन्सॉलिडेटिड बनाया है । आपने इसमें पेमेंट ऑफ वेजेज़ एक्ट, मिनिमम वेजेज़ एक्ट, पेमेंट ऑफ बोनस और इक्वल रेम्यूनेरेशन को शामिल किया है । अभी तक इन सबको एक साथ क्लब करने के बाद, इन्हें कन्सॉलिडेटिड बनाने के बाद इस एक्ट में अभी जो प्रेज़ेंट इश्यूज़ हैं, जो डिफरेंट प्रॉब्लम्स हैं, उन प्रॉब्लम्स को आप कैसे सॉल्व करेंगे, इस पर इस बिल में कुछ टच नहीं किया गया है ।

       महोदय, मैं यह बात इसलिए बोल रहा हूं क्योंकि इससे पहले भी इंडियन एयरलाइंस और एयर इंडिया, दोनों को क्लब किया गया था । इन दोनों ऑर्गनाइज़ेशन्स के एम्पलॉयज़ को सिन्क्रोनाइज़ करने में कम से कम तीन-चार सालों तक बहुत प्रॉब्लम्स आई थीं, इसलिए इसके ऊपर आप ध्यान दीजिए । इसके साथ-साथ अनऑर्गनाइज़्ड क्षेत्र के लोगों के लिए आपने जो प्रावधान किए हैं, वह बहुत खुशी की बात है । इसमें कुछ और इम्पॉर्टेंट फैक्टर्स भी हैं । गवर्नमेंट की जितनी भी सर्विसेज़ हैं, उन्हें आप कॉन्ट्रैक्ट लेबर्रस को दे रहे हैं । आप कॉन्ट्रैक्ट लेबर्रस को जो कॉन्ट्रैक्ट दे रहे हैं और वह कॉन्ट्रैक्टर लेबर्स को जो पेमेंट दे रहा है, उसमें बहुत ज्यादा डिफरेंस है । इसको आप कैसे कंट्रोल करेंगे? यह गैप ज्यादा नहीं होना चाहिए । इसके साथ-साथ पूरी कंट्री में आप जो यह नैशनल मिनिमम वेजेज़ बनाएंगे, इसके बारे में आपने बताया कि आप इसे डिफरेंट स्टेट्स में बनाएंगे । इस पर भी बहुत ध्यान देने की ज़रूरत पड़ेगी । इन वेजेज़ में अगर ज्यादा डिफरेंसेज़ रहेंगे तो उसकी वजह से भी ज़्यादा प्रॉब्लम्स आएंगी ।

       उसकेसाथ-साथ पेमेंट ऑफबोनस है । बोनस मिनिमम 8.33 देना है । तेलंगाना में हमारे नेता के.सी.आर.साहब नेसिंगरेनी कोलियरीज केलिए कहा किप्रॉफिट ज्यादा हैतो उसके साथ बोनस कोभी ज्यादा कनैक्ट किया है । उसी केसाथ बोनस कोमिनिमम 8.33 देते हुए अपने एम्प्लॉइज कीपार्टनरशिप करने केलिए, मान लीजिए प्रॉफिट ज्यादा हैतो एम्प्लॉइज कोभी ज्यादा बोनस मिलना चाहिए । उसके साथ-साथ हमारी गवर्नमेंट में तेलंगाना बनने केबाद पूरे देश में हमने एम्प्लॉइज कोअच्छी सैलरी दीहै । इसी तरह सेकंपेरिजन करके बाकी लोगों कोभी दीजाए । मैं आपके माध्यम सेमिनिस्टर साहब कोकहता हूं किआपने सबजगह स्टेट्स कोइनक्लूड नहीं किया है । महोदय, स्टेट्स काकंसल्टेशन बहुत जरूरी है । आपने फाइनली एडवाजरी बोर्ड बनाया है,उसके साथ-साथ स्टेट काकंसल्टेशन भीज्यादा होना चाहिए, जिससे एम्प्लॉइज कोआगे परेशानी नहीं होनी चाहिए । पुराने-पुराने एक्ट्स कोकंबाइन करके जोनया कोड लाया गया है,इसके आने केबाद सभी एम्प्लॉइज खुश होने चाहिए । धन्यवाद ।

 

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE (BARAMATI): Thank you, hon. Chairman Sir, for giving me this opportunity.

       I stand here, actually, with a heavy heart because I am actually confused about why this Government has brought this Bill. …(Interruptions) Meghwalji, you are bullying me. …(Interruptions)

       On a very serious note, the hon. Minister who is a gentleman, said that it is a historical legislation. With your permission, I disagree with you for the reason that these are four Bills that you have put together. This is point No. 1. It is just re-organisation of Bills.

The Government has not paid salaries for BSNL, MTNL, and so many other people. In my own Constituency, Hindustan Antibiotics employees have not been paid for over five years. Considering this, even then to say that it is a historical Bill is really unfair. The Government should deliver this first. I know, the Labour Department is not involved in it. But these are major PSUs the salaries of which you have not paid. So, I really see a complete contrast. The Government is talking in two voices here. You do not pay salaries of the PSUs, while you are bringing something here to protect.  It is actually a hypocritical situation, and the common man, at the bottom of the pyramid is really suffering.

In contrast, there is another point I would like to make which is about contract workers which was mentioned earlier also. Look at Air India as an example. A lot of Air India employees, for the last 20 years, are on contract. They are all young people who joined Air India hoping that one day, they will get better job and better salaries. But no salaries have been changed for several years. So, is there something pointed and specific that this Government would do to support, through this Bill? If you are really honest to the commitment which is why you are bringing this Bill, will you make sure that the salaries are paid for all the PSUs and people who work in Air India, who work for the Government but do not get raises or any protection? This is an absolute pointed question that I would like to ask you. While codifying labour laws, labour interests should not be overlooked. So, I think, this is something very important point that this Government needs to understand.

You have talked about unorganised and informal sector. You said that in Clause 5, you have protected it. I just want to know, when there is a domestic worker working in somebody’s house, how are you going to make sure that each one gets this benefit of minimum salary? How are you going to control it in such a big country as ours? So, I am still not convinced. It would be better if you kindly convince me and see what mechanism are you going to use for a country which has so much of unorganised sector. Just making rules is very easy. But how are you going to implement them, and what is the mechanism that you are going to use for this? I want to highlight something from the Economic Survey which is a part of this Government. The Economic Survey says: “The evidence comparing the Flexible States…” Now, which States are flexible and which are not, I will come to this point in a minute. But I would like to read it, and I have a pointed question again. The Economic Survey says:

“The evidence comparing the Flexible States to the Inflexible States with respect to the rigidity of their labour laws clearly shows that the Inflexible States are suffering in all dimensions. They are unable to create enough employment, cannot attract adequate capital into their States and their wages are lower as their productivity is lower. Furthermore, these parameters are either deteriorating or growing at a slower pace in the Inflexible States when compared to the Flexible States.”        Sir, I represent a flexible State.  Maharashtra is one of the best investment destinations in India for decades.  There is nothing new about my State.  But the economy of the country has slowed down. Today, jobs  are a problem.  When there are inflexible States, which have seen more poverty  and are not as flexible as like flexible States are, what would be your minimum wages there?

       NREGA is an example.  In different States, what would be the minimum wages? I agree with you, Mr. Minister, and you would say that there is a Committee looking into this.  But where would you draw the line? Then, it is going to hurt the migration. If you look at Maharashtra, we  also paid better salaries compared to other States. So, how are you going to come to a common number, which is going to help it?  I really do not see it idealistically happening. 

       There are two other points, I would like to make.  Firstly, what are you going to do for SEZs?  We have had problems about SEZs several times. So, how are you going to address it?

       There is another programme of this Government, which is the National Employability  Enhancement  Mission, called as NEEM project. Now, there was already a National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme  Are you going to integrate these programmes?  There is  very little awareness about the NEEM project.  The young graduates get hired into the NEEM project but what happens after that? After two years, the company asks them to leave.  So, what is there as protection of the job?  The intent of your NEEM project may be very good, but it is not giving us the desired results in creating more jobs. So, how are you going to address this problem?  I want a clear-cut answer on this because my State is suffering. The young students of my own Constituency come  to me saying that ‘XYZ company hired me, but because of this NEEM project, after two years they are leaving me.’        The problem with this NEEM project is that the youngsters are hired from campuses. Now, if I am hired in TY or in my last year, in a campus interview, I get a job in a great company or in an Infotech company.  But what happens if I do a NEEM project? If I do a NEEM project, I get hired for two years only. But later when I look for an employment in TCS or Tech Mahindra, I do not get the  job. So, can we find a way where the NEEM project gets interpreted? At least, let the best people get absorbed by the company.  So, this is something, Mr. Minister, you really need to address because it does not seem to be addressing on the field right now.

       There is another point regarding provident fund and pension, and I am not going to get into that; you are aware of it. Many of the hon. Members have already spoken bout provident fund and pension.  So, I would not take the time of the House to repeat them.

       There are  two more points that  I would like to highlight.  One is about bonus.  With technology, jobs are shrinking.  You have said that there would be bonus for 20 and more employees.  The Standing Committee has recommended for 10 employees.  So, I would urge you to reconsider 10 employees because if you are doing this for the bottom of the pyramid, I see no reason why this Government, which makes tall claims, should not do it. I would  say,  you should rather do it for even two employees. Why are you getting into a number? The Standing Committee, anyway, has recommended it.

       So, I think, Mr. Minister, you should think of it and reconsider the 20 number. It would be highly appreciated.

       Sir, there are two quick points which I would like to highlight, and they are very serious points. What has happened is that our country is very complex in regard to providing jobs. Today, there are nearly 429 scheduled employments and 1,915 scheduled job categories for unskilled workers. This massive expansion of job categories has led to a major variation. This variation is not across the States but even within the States.  So, how would you come to a Minimum Wage Programme when India is such a complex country?  India is not like other foreign countries. 

       Then, there is discrimination against women. A lot of people have complimented you about supporting women’s jobs.  I am not so convinced through this Bill that women are going to get equal rights because of this.  I would give you a vey small example.  There is a man working as a security guard and a woman working as a domestic help in a home.  Their salaries are never the same. It is not possible.   You can independently find out the data and make a survey.  So, how will a woman be protected more than a man? I do not see how this is a complete guarantee to women and it is protecting women’s interest.

       Sir, my last point is on impact of wage inequality.  This is all I am quoting from your Government’s thinking – Economic Survey. It says:

“International experience suggests that greater compliance with minimum wages has led to a reduction in wage inequality. India’s experience on the impact of minimum wages on wage inequality needs to be evaluated, keeping in mind the segmentation in the labour market and the differences across various categories of workers. ”        So, the segmentation in India, as I said, is 119  with 46 types of categories.  So, how are you going to put it all under one roof?  I appreciate your intent.  Your intent may be very good.   But these are four Bills, which you have put together.  Actually, if you ask me, I am still not convinced and I still think, it is an eyewash.

       I take this opportunity again to request this Government.  I am sure, everything that this Government is doing is historic! Good luck to you. But I think, let us be a little serious about it …(Interruptions) Bhaiya, this is sarcasm.  There is a selective hearing in this Government!        All the PSUs are bleeding and suffering.  Do not wind them up by bringing all these legislation when people today cannot pay for their children’s education, their parents’ medical bills. So, if you could kindly do something for them, it would be appreciated.

       Sir, this Bill is a welcome step.  You are trying to do innovative things in the Government.  But you must pay salaries to the PSU employees and do think of thousands of workers in the Air India today, who are contractual workers and are not getting   fair choice or salaries.

     So, I would like to support this Bill but with a heavy heart, I see, too much contrast in this Bill.  I urge you to reconsider them.  I have my serious reservations unless you give clarifications on PSUs and other things.  I am happy to support the Bill provided we get the clarifications.

     Thank you.

 

SHRI PRADYUT BORDOLOI (NAWGONG): Sir, I rise to speak here in opposition of this Bill. The single and the most alarming aspect of this Bill is to undermine and erode the collective bargaining power of the working population articulated through our trade unions.

     In the case of determining the floor wage – whether in the case of determining the minimum wages or even in the case of determining the rate of bonuses – the role of the trade unions is avoided and undermined.  The articulation and wisdom of our trade unionists are carefully avoided. When you talk about floor wages, they will be decided taking into consideration their geographical differences. It is very strange to note that it is coming from a Government which talks about one nation-one tax, the Government which even propagates one nation-one election and very obliquely the understated motto of the spiritual headquarters of this Government, probably, is one nation-one faith.  Then, why is there not one nation-one wage?  Why is there difference in the wage structure?

     Sir, when you talk about geographical differences and geographical differences in wages, it should not reflect the regional disparities that we get to see in the landscape of development of this country.  Sir, you will be astounded to know that Assam produces 55 per cent of India’s total tea.  Also taking both, the unorganised sector and the organised sector of the labour force, nearly 19 lakh people are working in the tea industry.  Sir, you will be very unhappy to know that even today the cash component of an average tea worker in the organised sector is barely Rs. 167 per day. What is very important to note here is that this Rs. 167, daily rated workers’ wages, the owners of the organised sector are very carefully camouflage and load up certain elements, which, actually, should be avoided. That is the way, they, actually, inflate the rate of the wages.  I just want to give you one example. The daily rated tea workers, along with Rs. 167 daily wages, load up non-statutory benefits like cost of foodgrains notwithstanding the benefits given by the Food Security Act, the cost of firewood and the cost of tea that they produce, a small part of that is given to the employee. Even that is monetized and added in their wages. 

     The Plantations Labour Act, 1951 mandated that certain basic facilities have to be given to our tea workers like medical facilities, housing facilities, primary level education facilities, welfare facilities and leave with wages and holidays. Even those are monetized and added in the wages. Along with that, the statutory benefits like bonus, provident fund and gratuity is monetized and added in the daily wages. Sir, do you not think it a hoax?  With this kind of hoax, will it raise the standard of living, as stated in the Statement of Objects and Reasons, of the most impoverished and the most backward working population of our country today, the tea industry of Assam? 

       Sir, I would like to just draw your attention to what our hon. Prime Minister boasts that at one point of time, he was selling tea; he was a chaiwala, and all that.  Being a chaiwala, how can he be turning his back on the impoverished section of tea garden working population of the tea industry?  He should come up and take notice.

       What is again very important is the enforceability of the Bill.  The enforceability of the Bill is very weak and feeble.  I would like to give you one example.  The big employers, the corporates whose annual turnover is probably more than Rs. 1000 crore, even if those people fail to provide the floor-level wages, what penalty are they giving?  They have to pay a fine of maximum Rs. 50,000.  Do you not think that such a feeble and weak penalty clause has been made? Even on multiple counts also, those people who fail to comply, for them the maximum period of imprisonment is three months and maximum amount of fine is Rs. 1,00,000.  I think, the enforceability is a very, very weak spot in this Bill.  So, I would request the Government to look into this matter. 

       This is an organised sector.  But what about the unorganised sector? The working population of the unorganised sector is suffering.  That is why, if this Bill, as it is presented here, as it is introduced here is passed, I am sure the working population of our country will have a very big raw deal.

       Not only the tea industry, the public sector enterprises, the paper mills of Hindustan Paper Corporation have been shut.  In 2015 the Hindustan Paper Mill at Panchgram, which was profitable otherwise, has been shut down. Then, in 2017 again, the Hindustan Paper Mill located in my constituency, Nawgong has been shut down. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that for the last 31 months the salaries of the employees have not been paid.  Many of these poor employees have committed suicide.  This angle must not be overlooked when you discuss and when you pass this Bill.

       That is why, I would like to request the hon. Labour Minister to reconsider and bring back this Bill. These flaws have to be eliminated and then it should be brought back to the august House.

 

श्री पल्लबलोचन दास (तेजपुर): महोदय, आपनेमुझेइस ऐतिहासिकमुहूर्तमें बोलनेका मौकादिया, इसकेलिए आपकाधन्यवाद । मैंअपनीपार्टीको भीधन्यवाददेताहूँ किमुझेबोलनेका मौकादियागया है ।

       महोदय, हमजितनेभी लोगयहाँसदन मेंचुनकरआते हैं, हमसभी लोगवर्कर्सका प्रतिनिधित्वकरतेहैं ।हम सभीके निर्वाचनक्षेत्रमें वर्कर्सलोग हैं । आजके दिनहमारेवर्कर्सका स्टेट्सक्याहै? हमदेखतेहैं किउनकीस्थितिबहुतही खराबहै । वर्कर्सलोग बुजुर्गभी होतेहैं, लेकिनतब भीहम लोगउनकानाम लेकरउन्हेंपुकारतेहैं ।उनकीडिग्निटीऑफ लेबरनहींहै । हमलोगोंको लगताहै कियह लेबरहै, तोउनकाकोई सम्माननहींहै । हमारेसमाजमें ऐसीएक मानसिकताहै । इसमानसिकताको बदलनाचाहिए ।

       महोदय, देशस्वाधीनहोनेके बादवर्ष1948 मेंमिनिममवेजेजएक्टबनायागया थाऔर उसीटाइम1948 मेंमिनिममवेजेजएक्टमें हमलोगोंने रेजोल्यूशनपास कियाथा । वर्ष1957 मेंइंडियनलेबरकांफ्रेसने उसीटाइमएक्रोयडफॉर्मूलाको स्वीकारकियाथा । एक्रोयडफॉर्मूलाक्याथा, एक्रोयडफॉर्मूलामें यहथा किहमें2,700 कैलोरीवर्करको देनाहै, उनको72 यार्ड्सकपड़ादेनाहै औरउनकेपरिवारके लिएबेनिफिटदेनाहै । पहलेयह व्यवस्थावहाँथी । उसकेबाद लेबरमिनिस्टरकांफ्रेंसहुई ।फिर हमनेकॉस्टऑफ लिविंगइंडेक्सको पकड़ाऔर वर्कर्सलिविंगकंडिशनमें अच्छीतरह सेरहें, उसकेलिए हमनेप्रावधानकिया ।इसकीव्यवस्थाहमनेकी । सुप्रीमकोर्टने वर्ष1992 मेंबोलाकि चिल्ड्रेनएजुकेशनऔर मेडिकलरिक्वायरमेंटको भीआपकोउसमेंलेनाहै ।

       महोदय,हम लोग आजदेश में वर्कर्स केलिए मिनिमम वेजेज़ फिक्स कररहे हैं । इसका फिक्सिंग मैकेनिज्म कैसा है?इसका फिक्सिंग मैकेनिज्म बहुत कॉम्प्लेक्स है । वर्कर्स केलिए कॉम्प्लेक्स मैकेनिज्म है । चार एक्ट्स हैं औरउन चार एक्ट्स में हमलोगों ने 12 तरीके सेमिनिमम वेजेज़ कोडिफाइन किया है । कहां परक्या मिनिमम वेजेज़ है,यह किसी कोमालूम नहीं है । वर्कर्स कोमालूम हीनहीं हैकि एग्जैक्टली मिनिमम वेजेज़ कितना मिलना चाहिए । यहबहुत कॉम्प्लेक्स है ।

       महोदय,मैं आपको बताता हूं । यहां परहम लोग बेसिक पेऔर वैरिएबल डियरनेस एलाउंसेज (वी.डी.ए.) को मिनिमम वेजेज़ केरूप में देते हैं । बहुत-सेस्टेट्स ऐसे हैं,जिनमें सेकिसी नेवी.डी.ए. भीनहीं बढ़ाए हैं औरबहुत स्टेट्स ऐसे भीहैं, जिन्होंने वी.डी.ए. बढ़ाए हैं,पर बेसिक पेको नहीं बढ़ाया है । जोमिनिमम वेजेज़ है,उसे आपदेखें । हम लोगों नेकहा हैकि शेड्युल्ड वर्कर्स कोही हममिनिमम वेजेज़ देंगे । हमलोगों केशेड्युल्ड वर्कर्स कितने हैं?अगर आपइसकी कैटेगरी देखेंगे तोहम लोगों केपास 1,915 शेड्युल्ड जॉब कैटेगरीज हैं औरकरीब 429 हमारे शेड्युल्ड इम्प्लॉयमेंट्स हैं । हमलोग इसमें कितना कवरेज करते हैं?हम लोग 66 परसेंट कवरेज करते हैं । बाकी परसेंटेज केलोगों कोहम लोगों नेकवर नहीं किया है ।

महोदय, आजये बोल रहे हैं कियह इतना बढ़िया एक्ट है । आपइतने सालों तकरहे औरये 66 परसेंट काही कवरेज हुआ । आपलोगों नेबाकी वर्कर्स कोक्यों कवरेज में नहीं डाला? उन्हें क्यों नहीं लिया?

अभी प्लांटेशन वर्कर्स केबारे में बोला गया । प्लांटेशन वर्कर्स केबारे में मैकेनिज्म क्या है?कैश एण्ड काइन्ड कॉम्पोनेंट है । काइन्ड कॉम्पोनेंट कितना होना चाहिए, कैश कॉम्पोनेंट कितना होना चाहिए, इसका कोई स्पेसिफिकेशन नहीं है । आजयहां पहले सेही 51 परसेंट तककाइन्ड कॉम्पोनेंट है । पर,इस बिल में यहस्ट्रिक्ट किया गया हैकि आप 15 परसेंट सेज्यादा काइन्ड कॉम्पोनेंट नहीं लासकते । क्या यहऐतिहासिक नहीं है?यह एकऐतिहासिक कदम है । हमने यहचेंज यहां परलाया है । अगर आपकॉस्ट-ऑफ-प्रोडक्शन कोदेखेंगे तोऐसे बहुत-सेसिस्टम्स हैं । मिजोरम में आपदेखेंगे किवहां शेड्युल्ड इम्प्लॉयमेंट्स 3 हैं औरअसम में ये 102 हैं । ये दोनों स्टेट्स नॉर्थ-ईस्ट में हीहैं । एकमें शेड्युल्ड इम्प्लॉयमेंट्स 3 हैऔर असम में 102 है । अगर आपमिनिमम वेजेज़ कोदेखेंगे तोनागालैंड में यह 115 रुपये हैऔर दिल्ली में 538 रुपये है । दोनों में कितना अन्तर है । विद-इन-स्टेट में हीडिफरेंस है । केरल में मैक्सिमम औरमिनिमम वेजेज़ में 905 रुपये काडिफरेंस है । हमने जोकैटेगरीज़ बनाई हैं,उन कैटेगरीज़ में हीडिफरेंस है । हमने इसतरह काडिफरेंस बना कररखा है,इसे इतना कॉम्प्लेक्स बना कररखा हैकि वर्कर्स कोकुछ समझ में नहीं आता हैकि हमलोग कैसे मिनिमम वेजेज़ कोफिक्स करें?

       महोदय,अगर आपवर्ष 2018-19 का इकोनॉमिक सर्वे देखेंगे तोआपको दिखाई पड़ेगा किजो बड़े-बड़े स्टेट्स हैं,उनमें भीकितना डिफरेंस है । जैसे मध्य प्रदेश है,जिन्होंने स्किल्स कोचार तरह सेडिफरेंशिएट करके दिया है । यहां परआप देखेंगे किइसमें कितना वॉयलेशन किया गया है । अभी हमलोग जोनया कोड लेकर आएहैं, इसकोड में हमलोगों नेबहुत-सेचेंजेज किए हैं,बारीकी सेचेंजेज किए हैं । अबअगर आपडिफरेंस-इन-मिनिमम वेजेज़ देखेंगे तोआपको बहुत हीडिफरेंस मिलेगा । अगर हमलोग यहां परबोलेंगे किइसमें जेन्‍डरडिस्क्रिमिनेशन हैतो सुप्रिया सुले जीने बोला थाकि हमारे यहां जेन्‍डरडिस्क्रिमिनेशन है । हमलोगों नेजो रेट्स फिक्स किए हैं,उसमें हमलोग देखते हैं किजो डोमेस्टिक वर्कर्स हैं,उन्हें कमपैसे मिलते हैं औरसिक्योरिटी गार्ड्स कोज्यादा पैसे मिलते हैं । लेकिन, अभी जोकोड-ऑन-वेजेज़ हमलोग लारहे हैं,उसमें इसजेन्डर डिस्क्रिमिनेशन कोहम लोग चेंज करने वाले हैं ।

       महोदय,अगर आपयहां परमिनिमम वेजेज़ देखेंगे तोयदि आपसर्वे देखेंगे, ‘पर-कैपिटा- नेट-स्टेट डोमेस्टिक प्रोडक्ट, 2016-17’ के ग्राफ कोदेखेंगे तोयहां परआप देखेंगे किबहुत बड़े-बड़े स्टेट्स ऐसे हैं,जहां परमिनिमम वेजेज़ बहुत हीकम है । जैसे तमिलनाडु जैसे स्टेट में मिनिमम वेजेज़ बहुत हीकम है । अगर आप ‘पर-कैपिटा-नेट-स्टेट डोमेस्टिक प्रोडक्ट, 2016-17’ के ग्राफ में उनकी जी.डी.पी.को देखेंगे तोयह डेढ़ लाख है,लेकिन वहां मिनिमम वेजेज़ बहुत हीकम है । गोवा में मिनिमम वेजेज़ बहुत कमहै । हमलोग जोमिनिमम वेजेज़ फिक्स करते हैं,वह मिनिमम वेजेज़ हरतरह सेअलग-अलग होता है । इसमें क्या होरहा हैकि वर्कर्स कोमिनिमम वेजेज़ नहीं मिल रहे हैं औरवर्कर्स कोमिनिमम वेजेज़ नमिलने केकारण स्टेट्स में डिस्पैरिटी होरही है,उनमें यूनिफॉर्मिटी नहीं है । इसे हमलोगों कोयूनिफॉर्मिटी में लाना चाहिए औरइसके लिए हीयह कोड-ऑन-वेजेज़ बिल यहां परलाया गया है ।

       कोड ऑनवेजेज बिल आने केबाद देश में बहुत हीनया परिवर्तन होगा । हरवर्कर्स कोबेनिफिट मिलेगा औरउनको एकनया प्रावधान भीमिलेगा ।

       सर, मैं इसविषय परथोड़ा औरबोलना चाहता हूं । यहां परअभी क्या बोला गया है?अगर किसी वर्कर कोमिनिमम वेज नहीं मिलती है, …(व्यवधान)

HON. CHAIRPERSON : Please conclude.

श्री पल्लबलोचन दास: सर, मुझे दोमिनट औरबोलने दीजिए । अगर मिनिमम वेज नहीं मिलती है,तो उनको मल्टीप्ल अथॉरिटीज़ केपास जाना पड़ता है । उनको मिनिमम वेज लेने केलिए मल्टीप्ल अथॉरिटीज़ केपास जाना पड़ेगा । उनके लिए सिंगल विंडो मैकेनिज़म नहीं है । हमलोग इतने सालों सेवर्कर्स कोक्यों नहीं सिंगल विंडो मैकेनिज़म देरहे हैं?अभी तकहम लोगों नेसिंगल विंडो मैकेनिज़म नहीं दिया । इसबिल में हमने सिंगल विंडो मैकेनिज़म देने केलिए व्यवस्था कीहै । आजतक अपीलेट अथॉरिटी नहीं बनाई गई । कहीं भीअपीलेट अथॉरिटी नहीं है । उनको डायरेक्टली जाना पड़ेगा । अभी  यहां पर अपीलेट  अथॉरिटी बनाई गईहै । वर्कर्स कोइस अपीलेट अथॉरिटी केमाध्यम सेबेनिफिट मिलेगा । अगर  उनको कहीं परजाना पड़ता है,तो वेवहां जाते हैं । उनको ट्रिब्यूनल में भीजाना पड़ता है ।

       सर, अभी यहां परक्या किया जारहा है?  हमलोग एकगैजेटेड ऑफिसर कोदेंगे, अगर फाइन देना है,तो 50,000 रुपये तकउस ऑफिसर केपास जाकर आपफाइन देसकते हैं । इसके लिए आपको ट्रिब्यूनल में नहीं जाना है । अगर वहां परसीलिंग काप्रोविजन रहता था,तो सीलिंग केलिए हमें एक्ट कोबदलना पड़ता है,रूल्स कोबदलना पड़ता है । इसे हमकिसी नोटिफिकेशन केथ्रू नहीं बदल पाते हैं,इसलिए यहां परप्रोविजन लाया गया है । अबहम लोग नोटिफिकेशन केथ्रू भीसीलिंग कोबदल सकते हैं । जोक्लेम काटाइम रहता था,उस समय हमलोगों केपास मैक्सिमम 6 महीने, 12 महीने औरबोनस केलिए दोसाल काटाइम रहता था । अभी हमलोगों नेइसको 3 साल तकएक्सटेंड किया है । हमने इतने सिस्टमैटिक तरीके सेपूरे कंट्री में बदलाव किया है । अगर हमबड़े-बड़े कंट्रीज कोदेखते हैं,तो सबका मिनिमम वेज सेम है ।

       सर, इसके लिए मैं आपके माध्यम सेमाननीय श्रम मंत्री जीऔर प्रधान मंत्री जीको धन्यवाद औरआभार प्रकट करना चाहता हूं । उन्होंने वर्कर्स कोअच्छी तरह सेमिनिमम वेज देने केलिए वेज कोड लाया है । मुझे आशा हैकि इसवेज कोड केथ्रू हमारे वर्कर्स कोबेनिफिट मिलेगा औरउनके जीवन में एकनया परिवर्तन आएगा । मेरे पास बोलने केलिए बहुत-सीचीजें थीं,लेकिन मैं ज्यादा समय नहीं लूंगा ।…(व्यवधान)

HON. CHAIRPERSON:  Please conclude.

श्री पल्लबलोचन दास : सर, अबमैं सिर्फ एकमिनट बोलूंगा । इंस्पेक्शन केलिए पहले जोमैकेनिज़म था,वह बहुत हीखराब था । अभी यहां परवेब बेस्ड इंस्पेक्शन काप्रोविजन लाया जाएगा । इसके लिए मैं माननीय मंत्री जीको धन्यवाद देना चाहूंगा ।

       लास्ट में, मैं माननीय मंत्री जीसे एकऔर रिक्वेस्ट करूंगा किजब हमवेज फिक्स करते हैं,तो वहां परकोई टेक्निकल आदमी नहीं रहता है । …(व्यवधान)

 

SHRI HASNAIN MASOODI (ANANTNAG): Sir, I rise in support of the Code on Wages Bill, 2019.

       This possibly is the first Bill where there is no effort to over-concentrate the powers in the Central Government. It is genuinely a Bill intended to give some relief to our workers. If not a pathbreaking legislation, it definitely is a leap forward. Consolidating four laws and coming up with this Bill is by itself a good achievement. The definitions are comprehensive. The definition of ‘worker’, ‘employee’, ‘employer’, and ‘establishment’ is comprehensive so that everybody has access to the benefits that are contemplated under the Bill.

       For the first time, a concept of floor wages has been introduced. The problem that would plague wage payment, minimum wages and other issues, would be that every State would come up with its own wage structure and there used to be huge disparities amongst the wage structure of different States. This is a big, good achievement. The floor wages will give the base, the floor, and leave the ceiling for the States. But as regards floor wages, a second look deserves to be given. There is no need to have different floor wages for different geographical regions because there is possibility of a mischief. If the States have a right to fix minimum wages over and above the floor wages, then, there is no need to have four floor wages for the country.

       There should be uniform floor wages across the board applicable to the entire country. The States will be free to fix their own minimum wages.

       Now, I come to the new provision as regards payment of compensation. What does a worker or an employee need? पहला हैरोजगार, दूसरा हैमुनासिब उजरत और तीसरा हैउस उजरत की अदायगी । Employment, adequate and reasonable wages, and recovery of wages – this is what an employee wants. This Bill takes care of all the three aspects of the problem. Efficient mechanism is contemplated in the Bill for recovery of wage.

       Section 45 of the Bill contemplates an authority which, for the first time, is given the power to order payment of compensation in addition to the claim determined, which may extend to ten times of the claim. This has happened for the first time. If we say that it is not a step forward, then I think that we are not fair to the Bill.

       Secondly, a new concept of inspector-cum-facilitator has been introduced. This will help workers or employees having access to the authority. This provision has been provided in the Bill.

       Then, there is Section 54 which is about penalties for offences. That again is quite adequate. One of the hon. Members has said that there is no scope for appeal. It is not so. The appeal for payment of wages would go to the district judge concerned from the Payment of Wages Authority. That would be dealt by the district judge. But here, instead of district judge, a provision is given for appointment of an Appellate Authority by the Government. But since most of the issues that are expected to be raised in an appeal would be legal issues, it would have been more appropriate if a person with law background had been appointed as appellate authority. He may be a judge or anybody with law background. …(Interruptions)

HON. CHAIRPERSON : I request the hon. Member to take care of time and finish his speech.

SHRI HASNAIN MASOODI : Sir, I am winding up my speech.

       By and large, this is a good Bill. We hope that the Government would take care of the suggestions given by the hon. Members during the discussion on the Bill and come up with an up to date labour legislation in the country. Thank you, Sir.

 

SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER (PONNANI): Thank you very much, Sir, for giving me this opportunity. I myself was a factory worker and worked in a chemical factory for about 20 years. I also got actively involved in the trade union. Keeping this in my mind, I wish to react on this Code on Wages, 2019.

       Sir, if we go through the past history of labour legislation in India, it has two very important aims. The first aim has been to free labour from exploitation and the second is to regulate their service conditions, wage structures, health and safety welfare measures, job security, etc.        The Industrial Disputes Act is treated as the mother of all labour laws. We may recall the historic struggle led by the working class in this country which was instrumental in bringing such a legislation. Pro labour government strategy has also contributed to a great extent in this regard.

       Sir, what were our priorities? After Independence till the neo-liberal policies came into existence, our priorities were – man, that is, labour first, money second and machinery third. After neo-liberal policies came into existence, the priorities got upside down – money first, machinery second and man last. That is the situation now. All policies that are made now are in this direction. The policy of making 42 labour laws into five categories is also in this direction. It is because of that particular reason that I oppose this Bill.

       This Code says that the minimum wages will be determined by the Government of India at the national level and at the State level as well as the regional level. A State can also have minimum wages for the State with the condition that it should not be lesser than the national minimum wages. When the law says that the Central Government may decide national minimum wages and set separate national minimum wages for different regions and States, there arise two questions. The first is whether the Government is going to have multiple minimum wages. Second, what is the modus operandi that the Government wishes to use to implement this?

       Then, there is the issue of period for revising the minimum wages. All the hon. Members know that it takes a lot of time. I am coming from Kerala. As far as Kerala is concerned, we can do it in a period of less than five years, but as per the Code, it is confined to five years.

       Now, I come to gender discrimination. At present, gender discrimination is prohibited in recruitment, transfer, promotion etc., but as per this Code, it is confined to wage payment only. Thus, discrimination cannot be done on this issue, but it can be done in respect of other matters.

       The next is the issue of inspection system. My learned friend was very joyfully saying that inspection system is abolished. What is the achievement he was talking about? The fact is that there is inspector of factories and boilers, inspector of plantations, inspector under Shops and Commercial Establishments Act. They used to go to institutions and verify the ground realities. Now, this Government says that they need not go there and inspector raj is abolished. In whose interest is it being done? The employers were fearing the inspectors. There may be corruption in that, but this is not the way of doing that. They are talking of web-based kind of an inspection. That is also a very objectionable kind of thing.

       Another bottleneck in this Code is, as my learned friend was saying, that a scientific criterion has not been specified for preparing the norms for minimum wages.

       Towards the end, I would like to say one more thing. In most of the cases, the minimum wages remain in dead letters only and the labour do not get it. Revision of minimum wages takes years and years together. Timely revision is not taking place.

       In the end, I may say only one thing. There should be equal wage for equal work. That is specified in the Constitution also, but what exactly is the ground reality? I would like to say that female workers are getting lesser wages than male workers. This is a ground reality.

       I may speak about child labour also. You all know that we are all saying that child labour is abolished in our country, but it still remains.

       In the Bonus Act, there is an upper sealing of 20 per cent, which needs to be abolished. That is my humble submission.

       In view of the particular reasons which I have stated, I vehemently object to the Bill.

 

SHRI P. R. NATARAJAN (COIMBATORE):  Sir, the current Bill is just not an exercise of simple merger of the four laws – Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Wages Act, Payment of Bonus Act and Equal Remuneration Act; this Bill, while combining the above four laws, has, in a most unscrupulous manner, sought to dilute whatever pro-labour components were there in those four laws. In particular, the Bill seeks to dilute the enforcement mechanism in order to empower the employers to evade obligations under this wage-related Bill.

       A detailed analysis of the proposed Bill does not exhibit any pro-labour intention. Rather at many places, anti-labour stand of the Government has been exposed. It is aimed at converting the law virtually into a toothless piece of legislation, making enforcement and implementation a casualty.

       The word ‘worker’ has been replaced by ‘employee’ in some clauses. That is not acceptable.

       Moreover, in the interest of fairness and propriety, the consensus recommendation of the 45th Indian Labour Conference should have been considered with regard to minimum wages, which has not been done. So, minimum wages have to be considered as per the recommendation of the Indian Labour Conference as well as the Supreme Court advice.

       It is recommended that the minimum wages should be Rs. 18,000. That has to be considered. The Bill has not taken care of that. The decision taken by the Central Government regarding the minimum wages without consulting the State Governments cannot be implemented.

       The third point is this. “Employer” is defined as the “Principal Employer”. It is the most important word in the Contract Labour Act. The word “Principal Employee” must be there in the Bill.

       As regards the definition of the word “contractor”, that has to be clarified. Regarding the wages, the definition is quite confusing. We want to know whether it includes overtime wages, house rent allowance, bonus. That has to be clarified.

       Altogether this is an unnecessary and unwanted Bill. It is part of the anti-labour policy of the Government. So, I oppose the Bill.

 

SHRI JAYADEV GALLA (GUNTUR): Mr. Chairman, Sir, thank you.

       I rise to support the Code moved by Shri Gangwar as it benefits all the workers, working both in the organised as well as in the unorganised sectors. The Code is in pursuance to the recommendations made by the Second National Commission on Labour in 2002. The Code is going to merge four Labour Laws as everyone has already mentioned to make it a single Code. It mandates that wages have to be revised once in every five years. So, it is a welcome move.

       I just want to make one observation based on our experience of running an industry. When MGNREGA was first introduced, it affected the labour supply in the country for us and for all the other industries as well. Many of the workers who had a choice of either sitting at home and get paid a monthly wage or going and working in an industry, chose to remain at home and get the MGNREGA benefit instead. So, it is very hard to actually get labour for several years. But interestingly what happened is that, this has forced the employers to re-look at their minimum wage and actually offer more lucrative wages to attract that labour force back to industry. So, unofficially it started to work to bring wages up, and, therefore, indirectly setting a minimum wage. So, my suggestion to the Minister of Labour is to please interact and work with the Minister of Rural Development also to ensure that the MGNREGA rate and the minimum wage are synchronised in such a manner that benefits both the sectors so that it does not create problem for one or the other. I think this is a very important point. I would like the Minister to consider this.

       There is no doubt that the issue of minimum wages in the country is very complex, complicated and the same view has been subscribed to even by the Economic Survey 2018-19. We have 429 scheduled employments and 1,915 scheduled job categories for unskilled workers under the Minimum Wages Act.  The proposed Code removes the concept of scheduled employment in job categories. Industry bodies, including the CII, have welcomed this move.

       I now come to some of the provisions of the Code. I will be very brief and pointed in this. So, please give me a few minutes to speak about them. The first one is related to clause 2 (Y) (F) which says wages do not include House Rent Allowance. It is in contravention to the parent Act, where section 2 (H) included House Rent Allowance also. Here, I would request that House Rent Allowance be included under wages since the minimum wages aim at minimum level of comfort which should be available to an employee, and accommodation is one such basic need.

       Secondly, it is contrary to the interpretation by the Apex Court in its April, 2019, judgement in the case of Hindustan Sanitaryware & Industries Limited and Faridabad Industries Association vs. State of Haryana, wherein it was held that HRA is part of minimum wages, whereas the Code excludes HRA from wages. So, I suggest for consideration of the hon. Minister to revisit this Clause and reframe it accordingly.

       The third point is relating to Section 5 of Equal Remuneration Act which prohibits discrimination in payment of wages and recruitment on the basis of gender. But, Sir, please look at the second proviso to Clause 2(K) of the Bill.…(Interruptions)

HON. CHAIRPERSON : Please conclude now. 

SHRI JAYADEV GALLA : Sir, one minute. I employ more than                 15,000 people in this country. I am paying wages to them and they are also paying taxes. These are very few important points, not to be detrimental or anything but just to share with the Government to improve it.

HON. CHAIRPERSON: I think you have completed your time.

SHRI JAYADEV GALLA : Sir, both are contradictory to each other. One is prohibiting and the other is computing emoluments such as conveyance allowance, HRA, remuneration payable under any Award and overtime allowance. The Code is also silent about the discrimination in recruitment and I feel that it is a glaring gender discrimination towards women.

       My fourth point is, under the Minimum Wages Act, it is mandatory to revise the minimum wages at intervals not exceeding five years. But, if you look at Sub-Clause (4) of Clause 8 of the Bill, it says that the appropriate Government shall review or revise minimum rates of wages ordinarily at an interval not exceeding five years. I feel that the wording in the Clause is loosely worded. Here you are using the word ‘ordinarily’ which is not proper. …(Interruptions)

HON. CHAIRPERSON: Please conclude now.

SHRI JAYADEV GALLA : Hence, I request the hon. Minister to retain the original Section which is clear and does not beat around the bush.

       Sir, my next point is, if you look at Clause 9 of the Bill, it is proposed that the Central government will fix floor wages and whatever is fixed by the Central Government is the benchmark for all the States. So, I ask the veracity and tenability of fixation. If one looks at Sub-Clause (3) to Clause 9, it says that the Central Government only consults the States in fixing the minimum wages. It means, the fixation will be thrust upon the States as you are only consulting them. I strongly feel that this amounts to taking away the rights of the States. So, I suggest for consideration of the hon. Minister to substitute the word ‘consultation’ with ‘concurrence’. It is only then you get justified wages for the workers.

       Sir, finally, Clause 26(2) says that in case of salary exceeding the threshold limit, the salary can be restricted to threshold limit or the minimum wages, whichever is higher. Sir, I wish to submit that in case the wage ceiling is removed, all employees irrespective of their salary will become eligible for bonus as per the Act. This may defeat the purpose of the law to share profits among the working class.

       With these observations and hoping that the hon. Minister will ponder over the issues raised by me and take remedial measures for giving a better structure and shape to the proposed Code on Wages, I conclude my speech. Thank you.

17.58 hrs                          (Hon. Speaker in the Chair) श्रीअधीर रंजनचौधरी (बहरामपुर): सर, हमेशा मुझे कहा जाता हैकि आपका नाम सैकण्ड नम्बर परहै, लेकिन मेरा नम्बर नहीं आता है ।

माननीयअध्यक्ष: अधीर रंजन जीअगली बार आपको मौका दिया जाएगा ।

 17.58 ½ hrs BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE 6thReport