Congress demands PM Modi to stop BJP-ruled states from amending state labour laws

After BJP-ruled states Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh's scraped most labour laws in respective states for a period of three years, Congress, on Monday, has urged Centre to t allow states to amend se laws as y 'stripped workers of ir basic rights', as per PTI. Congress spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil said that while unprecedented pandemic, which has disproportionately devastated lives of poor, Modi government has taken this opportunity to deprive m of ir rights.

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Cong to Centre: 'Stop amending labour laws'

"If prime minister has little concern for workers and labourers, n he should himself tell se states to t go ahead with amending labour laws and t allow m in doing so. We would expect prime minister to intervene today itself," he told reporters through video at a press conference. "This is shameful and once again highlights true nature and priorities of this 'Suit-Boot ki Sarkar'," he added.

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Gohil said as se laws are in Concurrent List, such suspension can take place without explicit approval of Central government. "We also ask that trade unions be consulted before such an adverse step is taken," he said. This development comes 2 days after Gujarat followed Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in suspending over 35 labour laws, in a bid to attract investment in state from companies reportedly looking to move out of China.

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What labour laws have three states suspended?

Uttar Pradesh, under CM Yogi Adityanath, was first to pass an ordinance suspending all labour laws for three years except -Building and Or Construction Workers' Act, 1996, Workmen Compensation Act, 1923, Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, Part of Payment of Ws Act. Gujarat too has abolished all labour laws for three years except -Minimum Ws Act, Industrial Safety Rules, Employees' Compensation Act.

Meanwhile, Shivraj Chouhan's Madhya Pradesh government has abolished certain labour laws like - 

• Industries upto 100 workers can hire as per requirement, registration for contractors with 50 labourers, factory inspection for 3 months, inspection of industries with less than 50 workers and allowed third-party inspection. 
• Increased working hours from 8 to 12 hours, upto 72 hours overtime allowed, allowed shops to function from 6AM to midnight
• Licences to be issued in a day, factory licence renewal once in 10 years, renewal required for start-ups.

Several Indian business experts have welcomed loosening of regulations stating that this move will provide flexibility and urge or states to bring in labour reforms. On or hand, worker unions have expressed ir dissatisfaction, stating that ir role will be diminished and want Centre to intervene. se laws have been sent to Centre for approval before it comes into force into respective states.

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