The Ministry of Labour and Employment will soon announce categorization of security guards as ‘skilled’ workers and armed security guards and security supervisors as highly skilled, entitling them to receive a minimum wage of Rs 15,000 per month and Rs 25,000 per month, respectively.
Addressing the annual Private Security Industry Conclave 2016 here, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya said the government was pursuing labour reforms vigorously, part of the larger goal of the government to link some of the key flagship progarmmes, like Skill India, Make in India and Start-up India.
He said the much-awaited move by the Modi Government will not only bring enhanced wages to over 50 lakh security personnel currently engaged in the private security space, but will also provide social security cover to over 25 million of their family members. The decision will also enable private security agencies to recruit, train and employ quality workforce for the sector, which has been an indispensable demand of all stakeholders alike security agencies, corporations and the public.
As part of the simplification exercise, the codification and amalgamation of 44 Central labour laws into four codes will be referred to the Cabinet shortly. He expressed the hope that a Bill to this effect will be introduced in the next session of Parliament for approval. The four codes relate to wages, industrial relations, social security and working conditions and health and safety.
Mr. Rituraj Sinha, Co-Chair, FICCI Committee on Private Security Industry and Group COO, SIS India Ltd., said with engagement of government law enforcement agencies in anti-terror, serious crime prevention and other critical homeland security functions, the role of private security has evolved drastically over the last decade. He emphasized that private security has emerged as the first line of defence undertaking the vital watch & ward function at our homes, offices and public utility infrastructure.
Mr. Sinha said, “India private security sector is Rs 50,000 crore opportunity which is growing at 18 to 20 percent per annum. It is among the top 5 employment generating sector and among the largest provident fund (PF) contributing sectors. This sector is creating over 5 lakh new jobs every year for rural youth and from less privileged sections”.
He said it plays a significant role in Skill India Mission with assured placement. It supports below poverty line families (BPL) and unskilled youth to migrate to organised sector and helping 50 lakh families in securing healthcare facilities under ESIC.
He said, FICCI has been continuously striving to seek an enabling framework for the Private Security Industry. From the Ministry for Labour and Employment, the Chamber has sought categorization of security guards as skilled workers and armed security guards/ security supervisors as highly skilled workers. Along with this, the ministry should issue an advisory to states to ensure skilled category pay rates for trained security workers across India and a Simplified “Wage Code”.
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