STATE GOVERNMENT has directed all departments to ensure payment of prescribed minimum wages to workers engaged in construction works. They have been asked to authorise a gazetted or executive officers for this.
In case of lapse in this regard, the officer designated for this will be held responsible. The Labour department is conducting an intensive inspection and checking drive for this purpose.
The Labour Commissioner has written to all Government departments informing that if there was underpayment to any worker, action of prosecution under Minimum Wages Act 1948 will be taken. Payment of prescribed minimum wages should be ensured to all workers whether directly engaged or through contractors for Government works.
The Labour department clarified that different Government departments, agencies and local bodies carry out various construction works constantly in which large number of workers are engaged. The department had received complaints through various sources that workers were not being paid the prescribed minimum wages, which was mandatory under the law.
Section 21 of the Contract Labour (employment and termination) Act, 1970 and the Madhya Pradesh Rules-73 framed there under have provisions that payment to workers engaged in works being done through contractors has to be verified by the principal employer that is the concerning construction department or an authorised representative/officer of the concerning agency. The representative will issue a certificate to the effect that the payment to workers has been made in his presence.
Section 21 of the Contract Labour (employment and termination) Act, 1970 and the Madhya Pradesh Rules-73 framed there under have provisions that payment to workers engaged in works being done through contractors has to be verified by the principal employer that is the concerning construction department or an authorised representative/officer of the concerning agency. The representative will issue a certificate to the effect that the payment to workers has been made in his presence.