Haryana govt proposes self-certification scheme

Chandigarh, Jan 3: Haryana Government has come up with a "self-certification scheme" to effectively protect the interests of the workers, employers and entrepreneurs as well as build a friendly and safe industrial environment in the state.

State Finance, Labour and Employment Minister Captain Abhimanyu today said that the draft scheme has been put in public domain and views/suggestions are sought from the stakeholders and the public after which it would be implemented.

He said that the draft is aimed at curtailing the unnecessary visits of government officials for inspection of such units who have opted for the scheme without compromising on the safety, health, social security and welfare of the workers under various labour laws.

"It also aims at making an employer or an entrepreneur a conscious, truthful and law abiding citizen who is willing to protect the interests of the workers and employees by following all applicable laws," he said according to an official release here.

Abhimanyu said that not more than five per cent of the units, factories or establishments covered under the scheme, would be picked up for random inspection to check implementation of the labour laws.

"Once inspected, any unit, factory or establishment may not be inspected again in the next five years, provided no complaint of any specific violation of the terms, conditions and undertakings given, and the laws, by the employer, entrepreneur or occupier is brought to notice," he said.

However, on specific complaints, accidents or dangerous occurrences, inspection would be conducted any time but only after authorisation made by the Labour Commissioner-cum-Chief Inspector of Factories, Haryana. Factories whose owners do not opt for the scheme would be inspected as per the departmental inspection policy, he added.

The proposed scheme would be optional and any employer or entrepreneur could opt for it. However, only factories licensed under the Factories Act, 1948, would be eligible for the scheme and major accident hazard units would not be covered under it.

The scheme would be valid for five years after the employer or entrepreneur opts for it. After successful compliance under the self-certification scheme for five years, the occupier would have the option to either remain covered under or to opt out, the minister added.

PTI