Rao allays fears on reforms

Union Labour Minister Chandrashekhar Rao today said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government would ensure that the working class was not adversely affected by the process of liberalisation and globalisation.

Some important legislations were enacted for workers in the unorganized sector, but those could not meet the requirements of every section of the working class in this sector.

In a May Day message addressed to the working class, Rao said the government was trying to improve upon the existing provisions for the unorganised sector, which would go a long way to fulfill the objectives, particularly relating to the social security needs of the working class in the sector.

While seeking cooperation of trade unions in "attaining the twin objectives of labour welfare and economic reforms", he said workers should share the fruits of economic reforms and the government would ensure that they were not adversely affected by liberalisation and globalisation.

"Labour creates capital as capital also creates labour. Both jointly contribute to the well being of the individuals and prosperity of the society and the nation," he said in his message.

He said the government would focus on workers' education programmes, skill development and upgradation, and make vocational training more relevant in the light of the emerging needs of the economy.

Stating that several important steps were initiated for improvement in the working conditions and welfare of the workers, he said much remained to be done, particularly for those in the unorganized sector which comprise a major chunk of employment in the country.

The government was trying to improve upon the existing provisions, which would go a long way to fulfill the objectives, particularly relating to the social security needs of the working class in the unorganised sector.