The Tamil Nadu Assembly Wednesday saw a debate on the Centre's National Employability Enhancement Mission, with DMK alleging that it precluded benefits under labour laws like Provident Fund, while government asserted it bestowed both skill development and employment opportunities.
When DMK demanded priority for locals in jobs, pointing to the presence of a chunk of migrant labourers from various places, including Nepal, the government said it already has been telling new industries to give over 60 per cent jobs for those from Tamil Nadu.
DMK MLA T M Anbarasan, speaking on the demand for grants to the labour department, said like NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test),which went against the interests of medical aspirants, NEEM deprived trainees benefits, including the ESI, PF and Gratuity under labour laws
They could also not settle down in permanent jobs, he said and demanded that NEEM not be implemented in Tamil Nadu for such features.
Culture Minister K Panidarajan said NEEM was not an initiative that thwarted permanent jobs, but created a window for both skill development and job opportunities.
Anbarasan, who was Labour Minister during the DMK regime, said he saw a big chunk of migrant labourers from other states and on a recent visit to the nearby industrial belt of Sriperumbudur, he felt as if he was "in Nepal."
The DMK legislator wanted new industries setting up shop in Tamil Nadu to provide 60 and 20 per cent of jobs to those from Tamil Nadu, and local region (where the industry is located) respectively.
Industries Minister M C Sampath, referring to the Global Investors Meet, said the government, while inking deals with investors, had all along insisted that they fill over 60 per cent jobs by recuriting locals.
"This is a condition (60 per cent jobs for Tamil Nadu people)" the government laid while inking the deals," he said.
When Anbarasan pointed to charges on misuse of shelters provided for migrants by the government, Labour Minister Nilofer Kafeel refuted it, saying only those who registered themselves with the trade union and possessing an identity card had access to state-run dormitories.
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