Sahib rules out any cut in provident fund rates

Giving details of the proposed Bill to be introduced in the current session, Verma said, the endeavour would be to provide social security, medical facilities, pension and other benefits to over 37 crore labourers working in the unorganised sector. They form 93 per cent of country’s total labour force, he added.

Promising consensus among political parties on labour reforms, Verma said the attempt would be to promote harmony between the employer and employees, and to regain investors’ confidence. ‘‘Reforms does not mean hire and fire,’’ he said. In addition to the unorganised sector, Verma recognised that there are problems faced by the organised sector too. ‘‘About 2.5 lakh units have been closed down throwing many out of jobs,’’ he said.

Regretting dismal enforcement of various labour laws in the country, Verma said, laws alone could not safeguard workers’ interests and steps should be taken by all concerned to ensure that legal measures are implemented sincerely. He said that there were over 250 labour laws enacted by the Centre and the states, and their enforcement was the responsibility of the states too. The Minister also expressed concern over child labour menace.