**Executive Summary**
The Tamil Nadu Government Gazette, published on April 26, 2017, contains notifications by the government regarding amendments to various rules. Key areas of change include the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Medal for Excellence in Finger Print Science Rules, the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, and the Tamil Nadu Factories Rules. The document outlines specific requirements and procedures related to these amendments.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Home Department (SC) - Finger Print Science Rules**
* Increases the lumpsum grant for excellence in Finger Print Science:
* Sub-Inspector/Inspector of Police: from Rs. 6,000/- to Rs. 10,000/- each
* Deputy/Additional/Superintendent of Police: from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 15,000/- each
* The order is effective immediately.
* **Industries Department - Minor Mineral Concession Rules**
* New regulations for brick manufacturing units seeking permits for quarrying brick earth:
* Application must be made to the District Collector using Form I in Appendix IV-A.
* Registration is required with the District Collector using Form IV in Appendix IV-A.
* Registration fee:
* Chamber kiln: Rs. 3,000/-
* Country kiln: Rs. 300/-
* Registration validity: 3 years, renewable once for 50% of original fee.
* Non-refundable application fee: Rs. 1,500/-
* Brick mineral annual fee will vary based on the number of chambers or firing vents and must be paid via challan in the District Treasury.
* **Labour and Employment Department - Factories Rules**
* New Rule 84B: Guidelines for the employment of women in night shifts.
* Duty of occupier to prevent sexual harassment.
* Complaint mechanism must be established with strict confidentiality.
* Women workers can raise sexual harassment issues in meetings.
* Necessary steps to assist women workers affected by sexual harassment.
* Proper lighting in and around the factory is required.
* At least 10 women workers employed in night shift and not less than two-thirds of the total workers. One-third of the supervisors should be women.
* Sufficient women security and work sheds required.
* Separate dining facility and safe transportation must be provided.
* Medical facilities and telephone connections need to be available.
* Boarding and lodging, if provided, must be exclusively for women and controlled by women.
* Minimum 12 consecutive hours of rest between shifts when a woman worker changes from day to night or night to day shift.
* At least two women workers per night shift to act as Special Welfare Assistants.
* Report any untoward incident to the Inspector and Police Station.
* Exhibit guidelines in a prominent place.
* Provide adequate and accessible toilets with water and all basic amenities.
* Creche facilities where needed.
**Impact Analysis**
* **Home Department (SC):**
* **Impact:** Sub-Inspectors, Inspectors, Deputy Superintendents, Additional Superintendents, and Superintendents of Police will be eligible for increased lumpsum grants.
* **Action Required:** Implement revised grant amounts.
* **Brick Manufacturing Units:**
* **Impact:** Brick manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu must comply with the new registration and permit requirements for quarrying brick earth.
* **Action Required:** Apply for registration with the District Collector using Form IV, pay the required fee, and apply for quarrying permit using Form I, along with the required documents and fees.
* **Factory Owners/Occupiers:**
* **Impact:** Factory owners must implement new guidelines for employing women in night shifts to ensure their safety and well-being.
* **Action Required:** Establish a complaint mechanism, provide safe working conditions, transportation, security, and other required facilities for women working in night shifts.
* **Women Factory Workers:**
* **Impact:** Women working in factories, particularly those in night shifts, will benefit from enhanced safety measures, improved working conditions, and access to complaint mechanisms.
* **Action Required:** Be aware of their rights and utilize the complaint mechanism if needed.
Key Entities Referenced
Tamil Nadu Factories Rules: Governs the operation and regulation of factories in Tamil Nadu, specifically amended regarding the employment of women in night shifts.
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957: Central Act under which amendments were made to the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules.
Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959: Regulates the concession of minor minerals in Tamil Nadu, specifically amended concerning registration and fees for brick manufacturing units.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Medal for Excellence in Finger Print Science Rules: Rules amended related to awards for excellence in finger print science within Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu: The State to which this Government Gazette and all included entities apply.