The Hindu Business Line : Kerala Govt mulls schemes for workers

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) Government in Kerala will do all it can to encourage the State's IT industry and boost employment in this sector, the Labour Minister, Mr P.K. Gurudasan, has said.

Speaking at a meet-the-press programme in the city today, he said that Kerala's IT sector must grow and that the State's earnings from IT exports must increase. The Government will do all it can to ensure both investor protection and the welfare of those working in the sector, he said.

However, the Minister added that the Government would not agree with the contention that areas such as IT parks and Special Economic Zones should be exempt from labour laws.

welfare measures

The Government will introduce a series of measures to improve the welfare of different groups of workers in the State and will also ensure that workers receive statutory benefits, Mr Gurudasan said. The Government intends to expand welfare programmes, strengthen the various workers' welfare fund boards in the State and increase the pensions being given to workers. The Government will soon introduce welfare schemes for people working in the gold and jewellery industry, private hospitals and workers in small estates. Similarly, the Government will also introduce a welfare scheme for workers who come under the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, he added.

PLAN FOR ESTATES

Efforts will also be made to reopen estates that have been closed for the past several years and to improve the living conditions of estate workers. Steps will be also taken to ensure that the Inter-State Migrant Workers Act is strictly enforced in Kerala, he said.

This is especially important given the fact that a large number of migrant workers are employed in Kerala today. Similarly, efforts will be taken to ensure the safety of women working in the night shift in various industries, he added.

Mr Gurudasan, who is also Excise Minister, said that the Government would take strong measures to prevent the brewing and sale of illicit liquor. The Minister said he is looking at the option of forming special cells in each district, under the District Collector, to check the sale of illicit liquor.

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