Panel to Study Job Safety for 3.8 Lakh Govt Contract Workers

Speedy Summary:

• The Karnataka State government plans to address job security for approximately 3.8 lakh contract employees working in various departments, boards, adn corporations.
• A Cabinet sub-committee will be formed to study options for regularisation or providing job security, including proposals such as creating district-level multi-purpose cooperative societies for manpower hire.
• Focus will be on regularising workers in hazardous occupations such as linemen,gangmen,station operators,and assistants within the Energy Department.
• A Supreme court directive has recognized the government as the principal employer for contract labour.
• Plans include better oversight of contract employment practices to reduce dependency on outsourcing lobbies.

Other Cabinet Decisions:

1. Approval of biodiesel blending with high-speed diesel:

– Aim: Promote biodiesel production using non-edible oils and other bio-sources; retail sale outside petroleum outlets allowed under stricter regulations.
– Action Taken: Shut down 14 illegal biodiesel outlets across districts.

1. Infrastructure Advancement Projects Approved:

– BWSSB’s secondary (100 MLD) and tertiary (25 MLD) water treatment facilities near Bairamangala lake at a cost of ₹391.82 crore over seven years.
– Compressed biogas plant by GAIL in Haralagunte village capable of handling 300 tonnes of Bengaluru’s biowaste.

Indian Opinion analysis:

The Karnataka government’s efforts to secure jobs or regularize work conditions for thousands of contract laborers represent a significant turning point toward addressing long-standing labour issues tied to outsourcing practices that often lack accountability or stability for workers. This signals progressiveness in adhering to Supreme Court guidelines about recognizing governments as principal employers-the decision could offer legal protections while fostering economic stability among segments reliant on precarious contractual arrangements.

Similarly compelling is the push towards environmental stewardship through biodiesel blending initiatives alongside stringent checks against malpractice like illegal operations-a move poised to encourage renewable energy transition while enhancing transportation standards within the state.

investments into large-scale infrastructure projects-such as water treatment plants-demonstrate sustained prioritization on urban sustainability challenges amidst growing population pressure in cities like Bengaluru.

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