Raje meets Rajnath, seeks early nod for labour reforms

JAIPUR: Chief minister Vasundhara Raje is believed to have raised the issue of early approval for amendments made in the four bills under labour reforms during her interaction with home minister Rajnath Singh on Monday.
"Rajasthan wants to expedite the matters related to labour reforms. It is likely that CM may request Union government to clear it at the earliest," said an official.Changes in factories act, industrial disputes act, contract labour act and apprenticeship act have already been given nod by the Union labour ministry.
However, the changes are being pending at the level of home ministry after which it will be send to the President for clearance. "Labour ministry has given its consent in September first week. A few formalities are left for legal considerations. After which it will just need the President's signature," the official added.
The state assembly passed the amendments on July 31. But all the four said laws fall in the concurrent list (both state and Union subject) and any amendments by the state will require approval from the Centre and the President.
According to labour department officials, Rajasthan government will implement the amended law the same day it gets approval from Centre. "There are no major objections to the changes. As it has already been approved by labour ministry, it will sail through easily. The CM, if makes any request, it will be just a soft push to get it done early," claimed the official.
The state government intended to increase the percentage of labours to 30% from 15% for the registration as representative union. Under industrial disputes act, it is proposed that factory owner can retrench 300 workers without seeking permission form the government.
While in the factories act, law will be applicable only for units with power (electricity) having more than 20 labours and 40 for without power. This has increased from the previous 10 and 20 respectively.