Wage boards for journalists, non-journalist by next week

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The wage boards for journalists and non-journalists will be constituted by next week, Union Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes categorically said today.

The new boards will be headed by High Court or Supreme Court judge, Mr Fernandes said at the conclusion of the two-day deliberations at the Indian Labour Conference here.

Over two months ago, the Government had approved the constitution of two wage boards, one for the working journalists, and another for non-journalists and other newspaper employees as per section 9 and 13 (C) of the Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955.

When reminded that the issue had repeatedly been raised at various foras, including Parliament, Mr Fernandes said he was himself keen on the constitution of the two boards.

In reply to a specific query in what way the boards would be relevant against the backdrop of a large number of journalists and non-journalists being employed on contract, Mr Fernandes said, ''We hope and are sure that the learned Judge who will be the chairman of the boards, will be confident and competent enough to deal with such issues.'' On April 26, a large number of newspaper and news agency employees held a March to Parliament to press for the acceptance of their demands.

UNI