K'taka likely to amend labour laws

The Karnataka cabinet is likely to amend labour laws in the next 15 days.

Addressing a seminar on labour reforms organised by BCIC in Bangalore on Monday, K Jothiramalingam, state principal secretary, labour department, said, "The Karnataka state cabinet, in all probability, is expected to amend the labour laws within the next 15 days, as suggested by various trade and business chambers in the city."

He added: "The State Scrutiny Committee has cleared all proposals with regard to amendment of antiquated labour laws in the state. It will be placed before the cabinet for clearance in the next 15 days. Thereafter, it would be forwarded to legislature. If cleared, the amended laws will be made into legislation within the next 4 to 6 weeks' time."

Dwelling on the contract labour laws, he said, "A progressive state like Karnataka was not against it, but was requesting the department concerned or industry to get them registered. If this is what the industry wants, we will give it. Any industry can have contract labour, provided they are registered."

With regard to allowing women to work in night shift, he said, "Karnataka doesn't wish to be left behind other states that have already amended or are in the process of amending labour laws. We have natural advantage over other states and we don't want to lose it. Hence, we are in the process of amending the labour laws". We have an open mind and are taking certain steps to see that we are much more progressive than any other states in the country. Let them compare us in this field too and find out where they stand against us."