A delegation of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) on Tuesday met Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and demanded increasing wage ceiling limits of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), and also demanded that the Indian Labour Conference be convened at the earliest date.
Following the meeting, BMS General Secretary Ravindra Himte said that Mandaviya assured to look into the issue of increasing the ceiling limits of ESI and EPF and substantially increasing the minimum pension amount from Rs 1000. At present, the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under EPF remains Rs 15000 per month and for ESI, the wage ceiling stands at Rs 21000 per month (Rs 25000 for persons with disabilities).
Delegation submits a memorandum
The delegation submitted a memorandum on the long-pending workers’ issues that have an all-India impact. The BMS also sought an increase in bonus calculation limits and gratuity entitlement limit from 15 days to 30 days.
The BMS said in a statement that its leaders highlighted the plight of different categories of contract workers across the private, public, and government sectors. Referring to cases in Indian Oil Corporation, state electricity boards, Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, telecom companies, Air India Express, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, the delegation demanded implementation of Clause 25(2)(5)(A) of the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act 1970 which clearly says – “the Contract worker should be paid the same and similar wages at par with the workman employed by the employer in any establishment”.
“The delegation demanded stringent action against contractors/ contract agencies that violate the rules, harass, and exploit contract workers,” the statement read.
BMS requests the minister to establish a welfare board
The BMS also requested the Minister to establish a Welfare Board for all types of drivers belonging to private transport, which exists throughout India.
“The minister patiently heard all the issues, discussed the implications of the demands, and promised the delegation that the government would consider these issues seriously and take positive steps at the earliest possible date,” the statement read.
Himte said that the delegation also raised the issue pertaining to initial public offering in the Regional Rural Banks (RRB), which is pending before the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central). In response, the minister has assured the delegation that he will speak with the finance minister to resolve this issue, Himte said.