Initiating the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Tapan Sen (CPI-M) lashed out at the government saying its resolve to build a consensus on pension, banking and insurance bills was not visible when it came to addressing the plight of the labour class despite a overall "consensus" on it.
He said the rate of return to the labour force was deteriorating and "gains of production was getting looted and plundered" while contract working class is "getting fragile".
Sharing his sentiments, Congress member Mani Shankar Aiyar said the government should not hesitate to listen to "intelligent voices" even if they came from the "Left" in addressing the concerns of the labour force.
"The duty is to hear to the intelligent voices even if they come from the Left," Aiyar said.
BJP member Thaawar Chand Gehlot also echoed similar views noting that the budget for the Ministry was not "up to the mark" and wanted it to be enhanced.
Sen felt pity for the "pro-worker" Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge who wanted to improve the lot of the labour class but was not able to do so as the "pro-corporate" government was succumbing to pressure from the industry.
Aiyar also regretted the fact that the Labour Ministry was not getting as much attention it deserved even as the labour class continued to suffer because of sustained neglect from the government. (MORE) PTI SGI SSR
