What are the various suggestions given to the government by the Industry body CII?
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has recommended that the government issue guidelines directing direct workers to rejoin duty.
Those failing to report for work must be made liable for action under the Employment Standing Order Act and the Industrial Dispute Act.
It added that States needed to put the revision of minimum wages on hold for at least one year and that normal working hours of employees across sectors are increased by allowing four hours overtime per day.
For working overtime, workers would be paid in proportion to the normal wages. The workers’ consent has to be taken for the overtime.
Additionally, to address the shortage of workforce, the CII has suggested that migrant workers residing in shelter homes or available locally near the industrial belts be mapped and deployed to the nearest factories.
The industry body has also recommended that the provisions of layoff under the Industrial Dispute Act be extended to commercial establishments as a job retention measure for workers having no work.
For the period of layoff, such workers shall remain on rolls and will get reduced wages along with statutory benefits such as ESIC and PF.
Labour codes should be further reviewed to enable greater ease of doing business and encourage entrepreneurship.
The CII added that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana ought to be extended to more establishments.
Currently, the scheme is eligible for wage earners working in establishments employing up to 100 employees, with 90% of employees earning monthly wages less than ₹15,000/- pm.
It argues to extend the scheme to organisations having 50-60% workforce earning up to ₹25,000 p.m.
It added that Employees' State Insurance Corporation and the EPFO should take up massive campaigns to inform workers to rejoin work.
