Labour minister Santosh Lad on Monday stated that financial benefits totalling Rs 38 crore were provided to 1.10 lakh construction workers in the district so far. The minister chaired labour department’s progress review meeting at the Zilla Panchayat.
He advised the labour department to work actively and directed them to carefully verify before distributing benefits to beneficiaries. He emphasised the need to consult with local representatives, DC, and CEO of the Zilla Panchayat, to seek their advice and carry out the work accordingly.
Lad instructed that the licences of contractors failing to pay the stipulated minimum wages to workers should be revoked, and action must be taken against those who violate the rules. He also directed officials to establish and register an outsourcing workers’ society in Hassan district, which would be granted a 4G tax exemption.He also suggested that discussions must be held with plantation owners to employ interested workers under the NERAGA scheme, which would reduce the need for workers from other states and provide employment to local workers. He directed them to pay surprise visits to detect child and adolescent labourers and to raise awareness among the public.
MLA Swaroop Prakash, labour department secretary NV Prasad, chief executive officer Bharati, labour commissioner HN Gopalakrishna, deputy commissioner C Satyabhama, zilla panchayat chief executive officer BR Poornima, and superintendent Mohammad Sujitha were present.
