July 23, 2019
Saugata Ray opposes the introduction of The Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Bill, 2019
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Sir, under Rule 72(1), I have given notice to oppose the introduction of The Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Bill, 2019. This is a very vital Bill since it affects the basic working conditions of the workers. There are so many Acts, like The Factories Act, etc. that specify the conditions of workers. But what the Minister has done is that, without referring it to a Standing Committee, without going into another National Commission on Labour, he has brought the Bill. They have brought out from the chest a report which was given in 2002 when Vajpayee ji was Prime Minister, after that two years had passed, then there was the UPA regime.
You have been in power for so many years. Why did the 2002 recommendation escape your notice? I do not know. This is again being done in the interests of the employers. They say that give us this one single law. You see, the Bill proposes the concept of one registration for all establishments having ten or more employees.
This is persuasive of the government policy to have one nation, one party, one law, one registration and one everything. And they also have a national one session of Parliament. And they also want a national occupational safety and health advisory board. Again they will constitute a board consisting of all government nominees. That’s why, as a trade union representative, I feel that this will not serve the cause of labour, this will not ensure the safety of workers, not improve their working conditions, not improve their canteen facilities and the dangers they face in the workplace will not be solved. That’s why, with all the vehemence at my command, I oppose the introduction of this Bill.
