SECOND NATIONAL COMMISSION ON LABOUR

SECOND NATIONAL COMMISSION ON LABOUR


The First National Commission on Labour was constituted on 24.12.1966 which submitted its report in August, 1969 after detailed examination of all aspects of labour problems, both in the organised and unorganised sector.The need for setting up of the Second National Commission on Labour had been felt for the following reasons :- i) During the period of three decades since setting up of the First National Commission on Labour,there has been an increase in number of labour force etc.because of the pace of industrialisation and urbanisation. ii) After the implementation of new economic policy in 1991, changes have taken place in the economic environment of the country which have in turn brought about radical changes in the domestic industrial climate and labour market. iii) Changes have occurred at the work places, changes in the industry and character of employment, changes in hours of work and overall change in the scenario of industrial relations.These changes have resulted in certain uncertainties in the labour market requiring a new look to the labour laws. 2. In the light of the above position, the government has decided on 24.12.1998 to set up the Second National Commission on Labour so that a high powered body could dispassionately look into these aspects and suggest appropriate changes in the labour legislation/labour policy. 3. The National Commission on Labour is a high powered body comprising of a Chairman and 02 full time members.In addition, there are 07 part-time members representing government, industry and workers.The Commission is required to give its final report in 24 months from the date of its constitution. The detailed terms of reference of the Second National Commission on Labour are as follows :- i) to suggest rationalisation of existing laws relating to labour in the organised sector; and ii) to suggest an umbrella legislation for ensuring a minimum level of protection to the workers in the unorganised sectors; In developing the frame work for its recommendations the Commission will take into account the following :- i) follow up implications of the recommendations made by the Commission set up in May, 1998 for review of various administrative laws governing industry; ii) the emerging economic environment involving rapid technological changes, requiring response in terms of change in methods, timings and conditions of work in industry, trade and services, globalisation of economy, liberalisation of trade and industry and emphasis on international competitiveness, and the need for bringing the existing laws in tune with the future labour market needs and demands; iii) the minimum level of labour protection and welfare measures and the basic institutional framework for ensuring the same, in a manner which is conducive to a flexible labour market and adjustments necessary for furthering technological change and economic growth; and iv) improving the effectiveness of measures relating to social security, occupational health and safety, minimum wages and linkage of wages with productivity and in particular the safeguards and facilities required for women and handicapped persons in employment. 4. The resolution setting up the Commission has been issued on 15.10.1999 after completion of formalities connected with the setting up of the Commission and elections to the 13th Lok Sabha. The Chairman and other members of the Commission are as under:- CHAIRPERSON
Shri Ravindra Varma FULL TIME MEMBER
1. Dr. B.R. Sabade PART TIME MEMBERS
1. Shri Sunil Shastri
2. Shri Sudharshan Sarin
3. Shri G. Sanjeeva Reddy
4. Shri Jitendra Vir Gupta
5. Smt. Ela R. Bhatt
6. Shri Arvind R. Doshi
7. Shri Hasubhai Dave MEMBER - SECRETARY
1. Shri N. Sanyal