Requested the Govt to bring in Plantation Workers Rights Act for our Tea and Cinchona garden workers
After 73-years of independence, finally the workers of our country will be entitled to Wage Security, Social Security and Health Security, thanks to the four labour codes that have been introduced by our government in the Parliament.
Guided by the mantra of “reform, perform and transform” as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, this bill seeks to simplify the multiple labour laws in favour of workers and industry and usher in Labour Reforms that are befitting to the 21st century.
These bills will provide coverage to around 50 crore workers from both organized and unorganized sectors, as compared to only around 10 crore workers who were covered earlier. Among other things, these bills ensure the following important guarantees for all workers:
• Fixed Minimum Wage Rate
• Wage payment on time
• Equal pay for male and female workers
• Annual health checkup for all workers
• Annual paid leave for all migrant workers
• Entitlement to collect ration at place of work for all migrant workers
• Pension for both organized and unorganized sector employees
• Quicker disbursal of workers’ issues through tribunal
• Increased Employees Insurance (ESIC) coverage and free treatment at ESIC Hospitals
• Uniform floor wage rate across the country, and more
These provisions will have immense impact on the tea garden and cinchona garden workers from our region.
Foremost, the tea garden workers will be entitled to receive 85% of their wages in cash, and the plantation owners can only deduct 15% as in-kind payment. Given that currently around 50% of tea garden wages are deducted as in-kind payment, these codes will ensure that the tea garden workers will be entitled to a much higher wages, than the current rate of Rs 176/-
There is provision in place that enables plantations to join ESIC, because of which these workers will be entitled to get better insurance and health facilities.
These codes will ensure that exploitation of workers, which had continued from the British Raj will be eradicated. These laws will bring in a new wave of safety, security and prosperity for all the workers across our country.
I have requested the government to bring in Plantation Workers Rights Act a new legislation, on the lines of Forest Rights Act (2006) to guarantee Parja Patta rights for the tea garden and cinchona garden workers.
[VC: Parliamentary Business]
ry Business]
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