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Goa's labourers to get security card first
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The Government of India has chosen Goa as the pilot state for launching
the scheme to cover unorganised labourers under social security, with
facilities including health services and pension being accorded to them.
Addressing the awards presentation function to mark conclusion
of the Mines Safety Week 2002, the Union Labour Minister,
Dr Sahib Singh Verma announced that the government has taken
the decision to start the project from Goa, which later would be
executed in other states.
The Union Labour Minister hoped that Goa would become an ideal state
in the country by the end of 2003, as far as providing facilities to the
labour
force was concerned. "Housing forms one of the basic needs of the
working class and the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar, during a
discussion with me, earlier in the day, has assured to provide land
to the Ministry of Labour for constructing houses for the state labourers
from organised sector," Dr Verma apprised.
He also observed that the skilled labour force comes out with better
and quality production and hence the country needs to have more
skilled workers. Dr Verma stressed on the importance of Social
Security Card and hoped that the residents of the state would possess
one, at the earliest.
The Union Labour Minister, addressing the function organised by the Mines
Safety and Productivity Council for Goa, Sindhudurg and Kolhapur, at Ponda,
today, also informed that he would inspect the Central Hospital at Tiska,
Ponda and the ESI Hospital at Margao, tomorrow, before taking a decision
about their up gradation.
Mr Digambar Kamat, Minister for Mines, Power and Urban Development,
in his speech stated that mine industry plays a vital role in the economy
of the state and averred that mining should exist in tandem with the
environment.
"The Goa Mineral Foundation established by the local mine owners
has spent nearly Rs 2.5 crore, this year, for maintaining the environment
in the vicinity of the mines and should continue the good work," he said.
Dr Suresh Amonkar, Minister for Labour said that the safety in mining area
should be seen in the broader perspective and the populace residing in
and around the mines, should also be provided with the safety cover.
"No trouble has been caused by the labour force from the state,
in recent times," Dr Amonkar revealed, pointing out that the labourers
need to be given due incentives.
The Member of Parliament for South Goa, Mr Ramakant Angle thanked
Dr Verma for cancellation of immigration stamp requirement, earlier needed
by the Goans travelling to Gulf countries.
The president of the Council, Mr Shivanand Salgaocar, in his welcome address
briefed that the mines in Goa had maintained a high safety standard,
as is reflected in the available statistics. He also requested the Union
Labour Minister to de-notify the prohibition of ore burden removal through
contract labour. "This is essential for the miners to optimise the workforce,
remove administrative costs and achieve higher productivity," he remarked.
The deputy director general of Mines Safety for Southern Zone, Mr Ravindra
Sharma
stressed on the need for proper training of the mine workers, especially in
skills
pertaining to operation of sophisticated equipments.
The convenor of the programme, Mr Satish Puri also spoke on the occasion.
The vote of thanks was proposed by the Council secretary, Dr R Subramanian.
The dignitaries presented prizes to the mine officers and workers, who had
excelled
in various fields, during the Mines Safety Week.
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The Navhind Times 30/12/02
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