CII welcomes Cabinet approval to amend labour laws

Industry body CII today welcomed the Union Cabinet's approval to amend labour laws, including the Factories Act, to make them more compatible and beneficial for labourers, saying the decision reflects the Narendra Modi-led government's resolve to push reforms.
"The quick action has demonstrated the government's strong commitment towards pushing key labour reforms to encourage economic growth and generate employment opportunities in the country," CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said.
The government is likely to table the proposals for amendment in the present session of the Parliament, Union Labour Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said today.
The other two proposals which were cleared by the Cabinet yesterday include amendment of the Apprentices Act, 1961 and the Labour Laws (exemption from furnishing returns and maintaining registers by certain establishments) Act, 1988.

It is learnt that the amendments to the Factories Act, 1948 would have provisions for adequate safety for women working on night shift and provided transport after work.
Some of the other proposed changes in the Act include improved safety of workers, doubling the provision of overtime from 50 hours a quarter to 100 hours in some cases and from 75 hours to 125 hours in other work of public interest and others.
"The decision of the government to double the overtime to 100 hrs from 50 hours per quarter is a welcome move and has demonstrated that the government understands the changing dynamics of the business environment".

"Other measures such as allowing women workers in night shift, reducing the compliance burden of small and micro enterprises and amending the Apprenticeship Act, 1961 had all been recommended by CII. These steps will certainly open up more job opportunities for the youth," Banerjee said.