Delhi Government’s Labour Minister Shri Raaj Kumar Anand arrived on Wednesday for a surprise inspection of the Omaxe mall construction site at Chandni Chowk. During this inspection, he found many flaws at the construction site. The Labour Minister observed that several aspects related to the health and safety measures of the workers at the construction sites were being neglected. Moreover, a large number of workers were not receiving the mandated minimum wages. To remove all these loopholes and to fix the accountability of the contractor and company owner responsible for this, the Labour Minister has given instructions to take immediate action against the contractor and company owner and issue invoices against them.
Shri Raaj Kumar Anand has also directed the officials of the Labour Department to issue a detailed report within a week after taking appropriate action against the contractor and company owner responsible for the defects found at the Omaxe mall construction site at Chandni Chowk under the Payment of Wages Act and Labour Law. Expressing concern over the lapses found during the surprise inspection, Shri Raaj Kumar Anand said that the Delhi government will not tolerate any malpractices in the labour sector.
Workers are not getting their rightful money, action taken against contractor and company owner
Shri Raaj Kumar Anand, conducted the surprise inspection with a team of Labour Department officials, interacted with the workers present on the spot and assessed the ground situation. During the inspection, it was found that a large number of workers at the construction site were not getting the mandatory minimum wages. Apart from this, necessary records like attendance register, muster roll and wage register are not being maintained for the workers, which is the responsibility of the contractor. At the same time, no ambulance was seen stationed at the construction site for the safety of the workers. In view of all these negligence, the Labour Minister directed the officers of the Labour Department to take immediate action by issuing challans against the contractor and the company owner. This was done to ensure that the contractor is accountable for his actions. The Labour Minister also directed the officers to take appropriate action under the Payment of Wages Act and Labour Law.
Construction workers made aware to use safety equipment
The Delhi Labour Minister observed that health and safety equipment are not being used by most of the construction workers. He advised all construction workers to work with proper safety gear and helmets and directed the contractor to ensure strict compliance.
Instructions given to set up labour registration camp
During the inspection, Shri Raaj Kumar Anand interacted with the workers present at the construction site, during which he came to know that most of the workers are still not registered with the Delhi Building and Construction Workers Welfare Board. In such a situation, the Delhi Labour Minister instructed the officials of the Labour Department to set up labour registration camps at the construction site as soon as possible, so that the construction workers can take advantage of the education, health and pension services of the Delhi government.
Labour Minister expresses concern over negligence found at the construction site
Expressing concern over the lapses found during the surprise inspection, Shri Raaj Kumar Anand said that the Delhi government will not tolerate any irregularities in the labour sector. He said, “I am committed to ensure the welfare and rights of every labourer in Delhi are maintained. It is our responsibility to provide them a safe and fair working environment. The flaws we have found at the Omaxe mall construction site are completely unacceptable and we will take decisive action to rectify the situation.”
Action taken report to be given in a week
The Labour Minister directed the Labour Department to submit a detailed action taken report within a week. It is to include an outline of steps taken to remove violations and ensure compliance with labour laws and regulations. Stressing on the importance of effective enforcement, the Cabinet Minister warned that strict action will be taken against those who shirk their responsibilities towards the workers.
Kejriwal government will protect the interests of workers
The inspection of the Omaxe mall construction site in Chandni Chowk sends out a strong message that the Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal, is determined to protect the interests of workers. Labour Minister Shri Raaj Kumar Anand assured the public that he would continue to conduct surprise checks across the city to ensure proper enforcement of labour laws and standards.
