Allow CS issue labour laws compliance certificate: ICSI

Companies will no longer be harassed by inspector raj to get certificates for compliance with labour laws, if a proposal by the body of company secretaries, ICSI, is accepted by the government.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has submitted a proposal to the Labour Ministry proposing changes for replacing inspectors with company secretaries in giving such certificates.

Currently, inspectors visit firm's sites to check if they are complying with labour laws, like minimum wages and working hours.

"We have had a series of discussions with the Labour Ministry. They look positive on our proposal. We have given our concept paper. The talks are in progress," a senior ICSI official told PTI.

The official said if company secretaries are brought into play for checking firm's compliance with labour laws, it will be a win-win situations for all stakeholders -- industry, employees and the government.

"Today a major risk for firms is losing reputation. Companies would like to be seen on the right side of the law . They are not aware of how to comply with labour laws. We (ICSI) can point out gaps in company's compliance with laws and help them increase their (firms') compliance levels," he said.