Draft Bill on agri-labourers on website, suggestions invited

New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) Minister for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes today informed the Rajya Sabha that to help the unorganised agricultural labourers of the country, a Committee has been set up to look into all the related matters which will submit its report within a month.

On the question raised by Mr Jesudasu Seelam of INC on current status in fixing of wages and other issues related to these labourers, Mr Fernandes replied that a Draft Bill had already been put up on the website and members were free to study the same and submit their suggestions.

Mr P R Rajan of CPI(M) said that already there had been so many discussions on the bill but it was not yet passed and wanted a categorical reply from the Minister about the time-frame for passing of the Bill in the House.

The Minister repeated that the Draft Bill was on the website and suggestions were invited.

Ms Sushma Swraj of BJP said NDA had a Pilot Bill in 2004 in this regard and made a scheme which was to be started on a pilot basis.

Mr Fernandes replied that the Pilot Bill did not have a financial backing and it was being studied.

UNI