Lok Sabha Question No. 1236 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-25
Subject: Salt Harvesting Terrains
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1236

TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.11.2019

## SALT HARVESTING TERRAINS

1236. SHRIMATI KANIMOZHI KARUNANIDHI:

Will  the  Minister  of  LABOUR  AND  EMPLOYMENT  be  pleased  to state:

- (a)whether it is a fact that the labourforce working at salt harvesting terrains comprises of both men and women and often require them to carry upto 80 loads of salt crystals weighing up to 25kgs on their heads;
- (b)whether the Government is aware of added health risks like severe dizziness,  high  UV  exposure,  pregnancy  and  uterus  related  issues affecting women along with kiddy and retinal issues, within the salt pan industry at Thoothukudi district due to the intensive and harsh working conditions and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)whether the Government has any plans to introduce any schemes specially  for  the  women  in  this  sector  and  if  not,  the  reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a): The  Government  has  enacted  the  Factories  Act,  1948,  for ensuring  the  occupational  safety,  health  and  welfare  of  the  workers employed  in  the  factories  registered  under  the  Factories  Act,  1948. Further, Model Rules have also been framed under the Factories Act, 1948. As per Rule 64 of the Model Rules, no women or young person shall, unaided by another person, lift carry or move by hand or on head any material, article , tool or appliance exceeding the maximum limit in weight set out is as follows:

| Persons           | Maximum weight of material Article, tool or appliance   |
|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|
| Adult male        | 55 Kilograms                                            |
| Adult female      | 30 Kilograms                                            |
| Adolescent male   | 30 Kilograms                                            |
| Adolescent female | 20 Kilograms                                            |
| Male child        | 16 Kilograms                                            |
| Female child      | 14 Kilograms                                            |

The  Occupiers  and  Managers  of  the  factories  registered  under the Factories Act, 1948  are responsible for compliance  of the provisions of the Act and the Rules framed thereunder.

- (b): No particular health issue of salt pan industry workers has been reported to the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
- (c): The Government has recently introduced Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan, a voluntary and contributory pension Scheme, for the benefit of unorganised workers including women in all sectors, as per the eligibility. The scheme envisages the minimum monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- to the beneficiaries after attaining the age of 60 years. All unorganised workers, in the age group of 18-40 years, whose monthly income is up to Rs. 15000/- and who are not income tax payers, are eligible to enrol under the Scheme. The subscriber is required to pay the prescribed monthly contribution amount and the Central Government provides the equal matching contribution.

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