Govt to extend relief packages to textile workers

New Delhi, Nov 22 (UNI) Expressing concern over declining employment ratio in the organised sector, the government today promised to extend relief package for textile workers, who have been losing their jobs due to rupee appreciation.

''The proposed package would be worked out in next few weeks and would be extended particularly in northern and western region,'' Minister of State for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes said while adddressing a conference on Labour Reforms without Tears' here.

Mr Fernandes said collective efforts were being put in to accelerate the pace of employment generation in the organised sector and added that 93 per cent of the employment is provided under various categories in the unorganised sector.

The Minister said that certain cases have come to the notice of the government that some employers instead of paying to their workers gratuity, bonus and other benefits, were channelising these funds to meet their legal and financial obligations.

He added that action would be taken against those who indulge in such activities and it is the employer's sole responsibility to extend relief package in case of any tragedy at places of employment.

INTUC President and Member of Parliament G Sanjeeva Reddy said the employers and not the government are responsible for violating labour laws. ''The government should make effort to ensure that labour laws are implemented and enforced in the corporate sector,'' Mr Reddy added.

UNI