Imphal, April 15 2010: Health and Labour Minister Ph Parijat has informed that the Government of Manipur has set up a board to look after the development and the welfare of the workers in unorganised sectors.

Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of a day-long awareness programme on labour welfare at Manipur Press Club here today, Parijat assured that the Labour Welfare Board of the Government of Manipur would take up necessary measures for the welfare and development of the labourers in unorganised sectors.

The awareness programme was jointly organised by the Labour Department, Government of Manipur and All India Youth Federation, Manipur State Council.

Acknowledging that the condition of the labourers in unorganised sectors in Manipur is not enviable, the Minister pointed out that such labourers are being removed from work by their employers at will and they do not get wages commensurate with their work.

They also find difficulty in getting jobs and their living condition, health as well as education of their children are not at all desirable.

The Minister explained that as in other States, the Labour Welfare Board has also been set up in Manipur following the Supreme Court ruling that it is the right of the labourers to get jobs and the Government should ensure welfare measures for them.

One percent of the developmental fund allocated to various Government Departments would be deducted in favour of the Labour Board and the same would be utilised for the welfare activities of the labourers.

Apart from construction of houses for the labourers who have no shelter, looking after their health care and giving incentive to skilled labourers, if necessary, the Board would intervene to ensure compensation in case of labourers being removed from their jobs without any proper reason or arrange another job for them, the Minister said.

Furthermore, the Minister announced that a Health Insurance Scheme for the labourers would be introduced very soon.

Under this scheme, upto five family members of a labourer can get insured and enjoy the benefit.

In case of sickness, Rs 30,000 can be reimbursed under this scheme.

Informing that the night shelter home being constructed for the labourers who come to Imphal in search of work has nearing completion, the Minister said that the same would be inaugurated in last week of this month.

Labourers who are unable to return home after their work can stay in this night shelter home and a nominal fee would be charged from them, he added.

Deputy Labour Commissioner NS Gokulmani and president of AIYF, Manipur State Council Sh Purnimashi attended the inaugural function as presidium members.

In the technical session, Labour Inspector E Tomba Singh and Rural Labour Inspector I Priyokumar Singh presented papers on the topic of 'Main provisions of laws for security of workers' and 'Payment of gratuity' respectively as resource persons.

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