Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employees’ State Insurance, Government of Odisha, inaugurated a two-day Regional Level Conference of Labour & Employment and Industry Secretaries of States/UTs in Bhubaneswar.
As per the conference, marked the fourth in a series of five regional conferences planned by the Ministry at different locations across the country, covering States/UTs and key stakeholders, to facilitate smooth implementation of the four Labour Codes and deliberating on issues concerning ESIC, EPFO and the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY).
During the inauguration, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia stated that the State Government is implementing welfare schemes for construction workers, unorganised workers and migrant workers, which the Parliamentary Standing Committee has acknowledged.
Emphasising the broader objective of ensuring employment opportunities for jobseekers and social justice for all workers, he underlined the importance of effective implementation of the Labour Codes and expressed hope that the deliberations would lead to fruitful discussions and exchange of experiences for further strengthening workers’ welfare.
Vandana Gurnani, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment urged the States/UTs to expedite the finalisation of Rules, make effective use of the Ministry’s FAQs and handbook on the Codes, avoid duplication or overlap with provisions under the Shops and Establishments Acts, actively utilise the PMVBRY dashboard, and strengthen Centre–State coordination to expand ESIC coverage and medical infrastructure through convergence with State health facilities and PMJAY.
She called upon States to act as model employers by ensuring minimum wages, timely payment of wages and provision of social security benefits to workers and employees engaged in State establishments, including those engaged through contractors.
Further, the conference emphasised the need for capacity building of field-level functionaries and enhancing awareness among States/UTs and other stakeholders regarding the objectives, structure, and implementation roadmap of the Labour Codes.
