Haryana Minister seeks linking minimum wage with price index

Speaking at the 45th Session of the Standing Labour Committee, Sharma said minimum wage is a fundamental right and no labourer can be deprived of it.

Haryana has ensured minimum wages in all the employments, he said, adding that the state also supports the fixation of minimum wages at national level and feels that it should be linked with the price index.

Sharma said that if some corrupt employer stops the wage of a labour or violates other related provisions, then he should be punished for it. Punishment should be in the form of heavy fine, he said.

Talking about the contribution of unorganised sector in the progress of the country, Sharma said there is an urgent need to pay attention to minimum wage, social security and training in traditional skills for the labour in this sector.

He suggested a system like smart card or Aadhar card be started for different projects meant for unorganised sector. If different projects become part of the system, then more and more labourers will benefit, Sharma said.

The meeting was presided over by Union Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by Labour Ministers of different states and officers.

Supporting the proposed amendments in this connection, Sharma said that Provident Fund Act should be properly followed and work of computerisation should be expedited on improving the service conditions of workers in anganwadis be improved, so that work there is effectively carried on.