Labour Bill passed in Gujarat Assembly as Congress walks out

A bill aimed at reforming labour laws, was passed in the Gujarat Assembly today after Congress MLAs walked out protesting against the bill, claiming it to be "pro-industry" and "anti-labour".
The BJP-led state government tabled the 'The Labour Laws (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2015' in the House for its approval.
The Bill aims to amend certain provisions in labour laws applicable in Gujarat, including the Industrial Disputes Act 1947, Minimum Wages Act 1948, Factories Act, Contract Labour Act and Employees' Compensation Act, among others.
One amendment in the bill proposes to introduce a "compromise" formula between industry and labour in case of any dispute.

While presenting the bill in the House, Gujarat state Labour and Employment Minister Vijay Rupani stated that Gujarat would become the first state to introduce the provision where both parties could end their dispute through a compromise, called "compounding of offences".
"This provision will reduce unnecessary and endless litigations, as court cases go on for years. Thus, we want to introduce a system where labourers can arrive at compromise with the employer without approaching court," Rupani said in his speech.
"For this, government will charge upto Rs 21,000 as penalty from the employer and give 75 per cent of that penalty money to the affected employee or employees. This will bring quick solutions and reduce burden on courts," Rupani said.

However, senior Congress MLA Shaktisinh Gohil took strong objection to this amendment in labour laws and asked the minister to withdraw it.