Committee go into question of abolition of the contract labour in Bharat Sanchar Limited Yavatmal Maharastra

## Report on the Constitution of a Committee Regarding Contract Labour System at Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Yavatmal, Maharashtra **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a government resolution regarding the establishment of a committee to investigate the abolition of the contract labour system at Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Yavatmal, Maharashtra. The resolution, issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, aims to assess the feasibility of abolishing contract labour in specific job roles within BSNL's Yavatmal establishment and make appropriate recommendations. The key finding is the formation of a multi-member committee with a defined scope of work and a two-month timeframe for reporting. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a resolution published in the Gazette of India, regarding the formation of a committee to examine the abolition of the contract labour system at Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Yavatmal, Maharashtra. The report focuses on the purpose, key provisions, and anticipated outcomes of this resolution, based solely on the information provided in the policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a new policy initiative, specifically the formation of an investigative committee. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to determine the feasibility and advisability of abolishing the contract labour system within specific departments and job roles at BSNL's Yavatmal, Maharashtra establishment, in accordance with the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. **4. Background and Rationale:** As this is the establishment of a committee, the likely issue the policy addresses is concerns and/or requests regarding the employment of contract labour at BSNL in Yavatmal. The concerns might include issues related to worker welfare, compliance with labour laws, or the nature of the work being performed by contract labourers. The policy attempts to address these potential issues by tasking a committee with investigating the matter and providing recommendations. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This policy establishes a committee. Key provisions include: * **Committee Formation:** A committee is constituted, consisting of five members. * **Composition:** The committee comprises representatives from labour unions (Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and Koyala Shramik Sabha), government bodies (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner), and a trade union (Centre of Indian Trade Unions). * **Terms of Reference:** The committee is tasked with: * Studying the contract labour system in various jobworks within BSNL Yavatmal, including Electric Maintenance, Electrical Operator, AC maintenance, Generator operator, maintenance upkeepment of the exchange day today work, underground cable maintenance, cable jointer, linemaintenance, Data Entry Operator, Board Band Maintenance line fault, Cleaning and Dusting, Security Guard, Tower Maintenance, Line Men, and Helper. * Making recommendations on whether the employment of contract labour in these jobworks should be prohibited, considering Section 10 of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. * **Headquarters and Timeline:** The committee's headquarters will be at Nagpur, Maharashtra, and it must submit its report within two months. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Yavatmal, Maharashtra:** The establishment directly affected by the committee's investigation and potential recommendations. * **Contract Labourers employed at BSNL Yavatmal:** The outcome of the committee's work will directly impact their employment status. * **Labour Unions:** The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Koyala Shramik Sabha, and Centre of Indian Trade Unions are represented on the committee, indicating their significant interest in the issue. * **Ministry of Labour and Employment:** The issuing authority responsible for enforcing the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * The Central Advisory Contract Labour Board is responsible for constituting the committee. * The Committee itself is responsible for conducting the study and providing recommendations. * The Ministry of Labour and Employment will likely review the committee's report and make a final decision. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The committee has two months to submit its report. The text doesn't specify the procedure after submission, but it can be inferred that the Ministry of Labour and Employment will review the report and potentially issue further directives based on the recommendations. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of establishing this committee is to provide an informed assessment of the contract labour situation at BSNL Yavatmal. The potential impacts include: * **Abolition of Contract Labour:** The committee might recommend the abolition of contract labour in some or all of the specified jobworks, leading to the regularization of some contract workers and/or the direct employment of workers by BSNL. * **Continuation of Contract Labour:** The committee might recommend the continuation of contract labour if it finds that abolition is not feasible or advisable under Section 10 of the Act. * **Improved Labour Practices:** Regardless of the recommendation, the investigation could lead to improved labour practices and compliance with labour laws at BSNL Yavatmal. **9. Conclusion:** The resolution to constitute a committee to investigate the contract labour system at BSNL Yavatmal, Maharashtra, is a significant step towards addressing concerns related to contract labour practices. The committee's composition, terms of reference, and short timeline demonstrate the government's intention to assess the situation and make informed decisions. The outcome of this process will have a significant impact on BSNL, its contract labourers, and the broader labour landscape in the region.

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