Labour Ministry to celebrate Vishwakarma Dinotsav on Sep 17

The Ministry of Labour and Employment will celebrate September 17 as 'Vishwakarma Dinotsav' in commemoration of Vishwakarma and the role of handicrafts men, toolmen, labourers and industrialists, Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said today.
He said on the eve of the Vishwakarma Dinotsav (on September 16), the best workmen and industrialists will be given awards in New Delhi, according to an official release.
On Vishwakarma Day, three aspects - on minimum wage of Rs 10,500, revision of Maternity Benefit Act and revision of Bonus Act - will be given emphasis to bring about awareness among the workmen, the minister said.
The government has recently enhanced the minimum wages for the workmen to Rs 10,500 per month in C category areas for unskilled worker. Also, the minimum wage has been revised for semi-skilled, skilled, highly skilled Workmen.

"To this extent, notification was issued and all the state governments have been addressed to implement the minimum wage of Rs 10,500. About 85 lakh contract workers would be benefited through this Central government measure," he said.
The revision of Maternity Benefit Act and enhancement of maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks and as paid leave, is applicable in all establishments, both public and private. About 35 lakh will be benefited through this Central government measure, he said adding "the state governments have been told to implement this welfare measure".

He further said that revision of Bonus Act and enhancement of eligibility limit from Rs 10,000 to Rs 21,000 per month will benefit about 50 lakh labourers.

"The enhancement of wage ceiling for the coverage of employees under ESI Act, 1948 has been done and the same is from Rs 15,000 to Rs 21,000 per month and those employees whose wage is more than Rs 21,000 and upto Rs 25,000 can exercise option for coverage under ESI Act," Dattatreya said.
He also announced that new Sub-Regional Provident Fund Offices will be opened at Khammam (in Telangana), Vijayawada and Kurnool (in Andhra Pradesh) as a part of extension of Provident Fund facilities to more persons.