Chandigarh, February 22:- The Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM today laid the foundation stone of Labour Bureau building complex in Sector 38 (West), here today. The proposed building being constructed at cost of Rs. 34 crores on an area of 1.5 acres, will have the capacity to accommodate 400 officials. The full fledged centrally air-conditioned building will have a conference hall, a well equipped library and ultra-modern support structure for registering earthquake.
Speaking on the occasion, General Rodrigues said that in view of the global meltdown, there is a need for a performance audit and analysis of our labour policies and programmes, to restructure our strategies for instituting a more responsive and accountable system to meet the changing needs of our socio-economic scenario. He strongly pleaded for hard decisions and strict implementation of existing legislations for abolition of bonded labour and child labour for creating an egalitarian society free from discrimination of high and low. Underlining the significant role of labour in the growth of the economy and national resurgence, General Rodrigues said that Chandigarh Administration has been made it mandatory in all work contracts to make provision for decent accommodation and hygienic living condition to the labourers employed by the contractors on the projects. He said that the officers have been directed to ensure implementation of these provisions and institutionalize the programmes to look after the interests of the working class and ensure their welfare and safety. Similarly, innovative programmes have been started for empowerment of Street Children, Mentally Challenged Children and Crippled Persons by constructing Homes-cum-Vocational Centers to make them productive members of our society.
General Rodrigues offered all help and support in completion of the project under time bound framework. Mr. Oscar Fernandes, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Government of India, while speaking on the occasion said that Labour Bureau organization plays a significant role in collection, compilation analysis and dissemination of statistics on different facets of labour at national level. He said that an effective social security network for labour class has been created under which various benefits including pension for the below poverty line is being given. He expressed gratitude to the Administration for allotting land for the Labour Bureau and asked the CPWD to complete the building within 18 months. He said that with the coming up of this complex, the Labour Bureau will be able to perform better in fulfillment of its charter of duties.
Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal, Minister of State for Finance, Government of India, Mrs. Sudha Pillai, Secretary, Minister of Labour and Employment, Government of India and Dr. Ashok Sahu, Labour & Employment Adviser, Government of India also spoke on the occasion. Mr. Pradip Mehra, Adviser, UT and Dr. K.S.R.V.S. Chalam, Director General, Labour Bureau were present on the occasion.