Firms must follow labour laws: Uttaranchal minister

"If there is a complaint (from Industry), we will take action." Uttaranchal Labour Minister Hira Singh Bist said this at an interactive session between government representatives and the Indian Industry Association (IIA), Uttaranchal, today.

Bist urged Industry to come forward in creating a friendly labour atmosphere and setting up units in the state and benefit from tax holiday schemes. He, however, said they must comply with labour and safety laws and regulations.

Bist's statement comes after reports in May that there might be surprise checks for firms setting up units in Uttaranchal.

The Uttaranchal government had asked its labour commissioners to investigate whether the units in the state, set up under the tax holiday schemes, were following labour rules and regulations.

It may be noted that Rs 20,000-crore projects have being proposed in the state by various firms since the Centre announced the tax holiday scheme for the hill state.

The government has also passed a law making it mandatory for new industries to provide 70 per cent employment to local youths.

Bist also urged the workers to work diligently to help Industry in achieving better growth. "If our workers work properly and diligently, Industry will naturally grow. This will also help in the overall growth of Uttaranchal," Bist said.

The president of IIA, Uttaranchal, Pankaj Gupta, urged the government to restraint from taking any punitive action against Industry. "Let there be no punitive action," Gupta said.

Gupta, however, welcomed the minister's gesture in setting minimum wages in Uttaranchal, which has satisfied the industry and the labour department.

"The message has gone all around the world is that Uttaranchal is the place to be in," Gupta said.

He told Bist anti-social elements, under the garb of trade unions, were targeting units in some industrial areas. Bist, however, responded positively and said his ministry would take necessary action.