Exemption to employment of the contract labour in various jobs in Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Surguja Chhattisgarh

## Report on Exemption Regarding Contract Labour in Coal Block Allotment **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, dated June 17, 2025. This notification exempts the Parsa East and Kanta Basan Coal Block, allotted to Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited, from certain provisions regarding contract labour as outlined in notification S.O. 2063, dated June 21, 1988, for a period of three years. The exemption is subject to specific conditions aimed at protecting the interests of the workmen, ensuring fair wages and benefits, and providing job security. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the aforementioned notification based solely on the information provided in the official gazette. The report outlines the policy's objectives, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and likely implications for the relevant industry. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a new policy granting an exemption. * **Core Objective(s):** To exempt the Parsa East and Kanta Basan Coal Block from the applicability of notification S.O. 2063 (dated June 21, 1988) concerning the employment of contract labour in specific works for a period of three years, while simultaneously ensuring the protection of workers' rights and benefits. **4. Background and Rationale:** The policy addresses the applicability of regulations related to contract labour in the Parsa East and Kanta Basan Coal Block. The exemption likely aims to provide Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited with operational flexibility in managing its workforce within the specified coal block. However, it's crucial to note that this flexibility is granted subject to conditions ensuring worker welfare, potentially reflecting concerns about the exploitation of contract labour in the coal industry. The consultation with the Central Advisory Contract Labour Board suggests that the rationale takes into account labour welfare considerations. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy granting exemption, thus the following provisions are new. * **Exemption:** The Parsa East and Kanta Basan Coal Block, allotted to Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited, is exempted from the applicability of notification S.O. 2063, dated June 21, 1988, regarding the employment of contract labour in works specified against number 1 to 3 in the Schedule to the said notification. * **Duration:** The exemption is granted for a period of three years, effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. * **Conditions:** The exemption is subject to the following conditions: * Protection of the interests of the workmen engaged in the above-mentioned works. * Payment of wages and other benefits as per the recommendations of the High-Powered Committee appointed by Coal India Limited and at the rates notified by Coal India Limited. * The Central Advisory Contract Labour Board has the right to inspect the establishment to ensure compliance with wage and benefit provisions. * Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited must ensure that existing contract workmen are given preference in employment by the incoming contractor, subject to satisfactory performance. * Workmen in jobs ancillary or incidental to coal mining works shall receive wages as determined by the High-Powered Committee appointed by Coal India Limited. * The contractor and principal employer shall ensure payment of High-Powered Committee wages, which increases every six months, and other benefits as per the Mines Act, 1952. * Contract workers shall be covered under the provisions of the Payment of the Gratuity Act, 1972. * Contract workers shall be paid bonus and leave with wages as per the provisions of the Mines Act, 1952. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy are: * **Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited:** As the allottee of the Parsa East and Kanta Basan Coal Block, the company benefits from the exemption. * **Contract Labourers:** The workers employed in the specified works within the coal block are directly affected by the conditions attached to the exemption regarding wages, benefits, and job security. * **Contractors:** Contractors providing labour to Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited within the coal block are obligated to comply with the wage and benefit conditions. * **Coal India Limited and the High-Powered Committee:** Responsible for determining and notifying wage rates. * **Central Advisory Contract Labour Board:** Responsible for inspecting the establishment to ensure compliance. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Labour and Employment is the issuing authority. Coal India Limited, through its High-Powered Committee, plays a role in determining wage rates. The Central Advisory Contract Labour Board is responsible for monitoring compliance. Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited is responsible for implementing the policy and ensuring compliance by its contractors. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The exemption is valid for three years from the date of publication. The policy stipulates wage increases every six months, implying a regular review and adjustment process. There are no other procedures specified. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of this policy, based on its stated provisions, are: * **Operational Flexibility:** To provide Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited with increased flexibility in managing its workforce in the Parsa East and Kanta Basan Coal Block. * **Protection of Workers' Rights:** To safeguard the interests of contract laborers by ensuring fair wages, benefits, and preference in employment. * **Standardization of Wages:** To align wages with the recommendations of the High-Powered Committee appointed by Coal India Limited. * **Compliance Monitoring:** To ensure compliance with the conditions of the exemption through inspections by the Central Advisory Contract Labour Board. **9. Conclusion:** The notification represents a targeted exemption from certain contract labour regulations for the Parsa East and Kanta Basan Coal Block. While granting operational flexibility to Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited, the policy emphasizes the protection of workers' rights through mandated wages, benefits, and job security provisions. The policy's success hinges on the effective implementation of the stipulated conditions and oversight by the relevant agencies.

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