Debate in TN House over Centre's NEEM& Nepal migrant workers

The Tamil Nadu Assembly Wednesday saw a debate on the Centre's National Employability Enhancement Mission, with DMK alleging that it precluded benefits under labour laws like Provident Fund, while government asserted it bestowed both skill development and employment opportunities.

When DMK demanded priority for locals in jobs, pointing to the presence of a chunk of migrant labourers from various places, including Nepal, the government said it already has been telling new industries to give over 60 per cent jobs for those from Tamil Nadu.

DMK MLA T M Anbarasan, speaking on the demand for grants to the labour department, said like NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test),which went against the interests of medical aspirants, NEEM deprived trainees benefits, including the ESI, PF and Gratuity under labour laws
Anbarasan, who was Labour Minister during the DMK regime, said he saw a big chunk of migrant labourers from other states and on a recent visit to the nearby industrial belt of Sriperumbudur, he felt as if he was "in Nepal."