Odisha ranks 7th among States in Labour Reforms

Odisha has been ranked as 7th in Labour Reforms in India. This has been released in 'Implementation of Business Reforms Report, 2015' prepared by World Bank and CII recently. Minister, Steel; Mines, Labour & ESI Sri Prafulla Kumar Mallik reacting on this success said it will build confidence in investors and attract investment to the state.

During a year period the Labour ESI Department has taken several positive measures for good service delivery and better citizen interface. The Composite Inspection Scheme introduced by the Department will help in timely inspection and preparation of transparent inspection scheduled. The industries and commercial establishments also will have a special scheme like Voluntary
Compliance Scheme where inspection will be made once in three years.

Likewise, one Common Application Form (CAF) which makes it easier for investors to obtain statutory clearance from different Departments through a single window system is introduced. Seven Act like Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1950, the Beedi Cigar Workers Act-1996, Motor Transport Workers Act-1961, Contract Labour(R&A) Act-1970, Inter State Migrant Workmen (RE &CS) Act-1979, Building & other Construction Workers (RE&CS) Act-1996 and Industrial Employment Standing Order Act-1946 have been brought under the Odisha Right to Public Services Act-2012 to ensure time bound registration, renewal and issue of licences.

The Directorate of Factories & Boilers have enlisted 12 nos of services for ease of doing business in the state. Online service for registration through eBiz portal of Government of India will encourage the investors. Now approval of extension plans, renewal of factory licences for factories employing up to 100 workers is entrusted with the Dy. Director of Factories and Boiler.

One dedicated Shramik Sahayata Helpline has been set up for workers. Besides, seasonal hostel for children of migrant workers' families is set up. In the four migrant prone districts Special Police Officers are engaged to check the illegal migration of workers. Further, employment opportunities to migrant workers in their locality is planned with a provision of providing 150 days work a year
under MGNREGA and the cost of additional 50 days will be borne by the State Government.