Page 19 - DMGT516_LABOUR_LEGISLATIONS

Labour Legislations

Notes
and it has not been smooth sailing. If anything, it is important that such institutions as the
ITUC work to promote these kinds of division of labour first and then look to the pros and
cons of unionisation.
The Report makes the important point that despite efforts to address the problems of child
and bonded labour, they still prevail due to lax enforcement. It also refers to the position
of Dalits: "More than 1.3 million Dalits are estimated to be still employed as manual
scavengers." Some of these stigmas are inescapable for us as a nation.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com

1.11 Labour Welfare Officers

Labour welfare is a generic concept, subsuming several fields of development that fall under
economic development, industrial growth, social justice and democratic growth. Welfare of the
labour is considered to be the key factor in the growth and development of any industry. For
looking after the welfare of the workers, a welfare officer is appointed in a factory. This position
is originated by the recommendation made by the Royal Commission on Labour which was
later on reiterated by the Labour Investigation Committee. The factories Plantation Labour and
Mines Act provides for the welfare officers as the statutory obligations for the employees,
employing 500 or more workers. The State is also empowered to prescribe the duties,
qualifications and conditions of the services. The Central Model Rules, 1957, laid down certain
duties for the labour welfare officers which are confined to the welfare work.
In every factory here there are more than 500 workers employed, the occupier of the factory is
required to appoint the welfare officers in the factory. If the numbers of the workers are less than
4000, then atleast two welfare officers are appointed, one with Grade-II and other with Grade-III.
But if the numbers of workers are less than 6000, then atleast three welfare officers are appointed
with Grade-I, Grade-II and Grade-III respectively. This is as prescribed by the State Government.
If the total number of workers includes 300 or more women workers, then, there should be one
women welfare officer of Grade-III has to be appointed in addition to the number of welfare
officers already prescribed in these rules.
If one occupier has more than one factories situated at different places and the total number of
workers in such factories are 500 or above, all these factories shall be treated to be a single
factory for the purpose of section 49 and in such case the occupier shall be deemed to have
applied to the State Government for declaration of all such factories under his control to be a
single factory under section 4 for the purpose of section 49 only.

1.11.1 Qualifications of Welfare Officer

A labour welfare officer should have a minimum of a Master Degree or an equivalent diploma
from a recognized institute with the knowledge of the local language. According to the legislation,
he is to have the status of the head of the department. If his services have to be terminated for the
reasons other than those of the contract, Government permission is required.

1.11.2 Role and Responsibilities of Welfare Officer

Based on the regulations provided by the Central Model Rules, 1957, the role and responsibility
of the welfare officer is clearly designed.
1. He supervises the provision of the welfare amenities in respect of law and in matters of
safety, health, housing, recreation facilities, sanitary services, grant of leaves with wages,
etc.

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