Uttaranchal steps up vigil

For firms setting up units in Uttaranchal, there may be surprise checks. The Uttaranchal government has asked its labour commissioners to investigate whether industries setting up their new units in Uttaranchal under the tax holiday scheme are following all labour rules and regulations.

The deputy labour commissioner, Garhwal, and the deputy labour commissioner, Kumaon, have been given the task of checking, said Uttaranchal Labour Minister Hira Singh Bist.

"There are some reports that these new industries are not following rules and regulations pertaining to labour laws in true spirit. We want to keep a check on the violators," Bist said.

"When we are offering them various excise and other tax incentives then they (industries) should follow all labour norms," he said.

An estimated Rs20,000 crore is expected in terms of investments ever since the central government provided a special excise package to Uttaranchal in 2003. The tax holiday scheme would continue till March 31, 2007. Nearly 2032 industries are setting up their units in Uttaranchal.

From companies like Bajaj Auto to Britannia, small to big size units are being set up in key industrial estates like Pant Nagar and Haridwar. A separate pharma city is being set up at Selaquie area of Dehra Dun district.

The two labour commissioners have been entrusted the task of finding out whether the industries are providing 70 percent employment to locals under the government order issued last year.

Besides this, the two commissioners have to check whether they are carrying out recruitment following all the labour norms. Minimum wages, one time bonus, insurance and other schemes should be implemented by these industries, Bist said.

When contacted, Alok Kumar, managing director, State Industries Development Corporation of Uttaranchal Limited (SIDCUL), the nodal agency for setting up of new industry units, said he welcomed the move.