Srinagar – The J&K Government has been very pro-active in revising the minimum wages, very often, even before the lapse of five years set for the purpose, which is evident from the fact that the revision in minimum wages was last made in October 2009 and a new revision has been initiated this year.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Transport and Power, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan while addressing 43rd State Labour Ministers Conference, presided over by the Union Minister of Labour and Employment Sh. Mallikarjun Kharge, at New Delhi today.
Mr. Khan said that a comparative revision of minimum wages prevalent in the neighboring states would reveal that the state of J&K has been very sympathetic towards the genuine needs of the labour class and as such has kept the minimum wages at a desirable level. He said this can also be seen from the fact that the major chunk of workforce of the State comes from U.P, Bihar, Orissa, M.P, Chattisgarh etc. and the wage-rates are so attractive that induce these workers to work in J&K.
The Minister said that the enforcement of Labour laws in the State of J&K is always given importance to ensure the safety, health and social security and peaceful relations at all the work places. He said up-gradation of the National Child Labour Project Scheme is showing encouraging results in the State of J&K which can be gauged from the fact that out of 681 students enrolled in 17 schools (11 schools in Jammu Division and 6 schools in Kashmir) 191 students have been mainstreamed.
Advocating for reorganization of the labour enforcement machinery at gross-root levels, the Minister said that it has become imperative in view of the vast expansion of the commercial establishments in the State.
Seeking support of Centre in expanding the manpower and in building up the infrastructure in the state, the Minister said that need of the hour is to revisit the Labour-laws to make them stringent with the changing economic scenario of the country besides creation of separate Courts, at-least at the District level, he added.
Appreciating the approval of Centre for opening of 5 (five) such additional schools at Srinagar and Jammu, the Minister said that time demands to make the National Child Labour Project(NCLP) schools more purposeful and child-friendly by way of introducing games and non-formal education including entertainment ambiance in these schools.
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