L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 881
The owners of some undertakings have made provisions themselves for both purposes but no detailed information in this regard is available with me. The Honourable Member is no doubt aware that there is no legal obligation in this respect of the owners of industrial undertakings.
(c) There is no legal provision requiring holidays with pay to be given. As regards non-seasonal factories there is a Bill on this subject before this House which it has referred to a Select Committee.
Apart from legal provisions many concerns give to their employees holidays with pay to varying extent.
As regards medical treatment the only statutory provisions within factories and mines relate to the provision of first aid. Some concerns run dispensaries and hospitals but apart from these the employees have to depend on the medical facilities provided by the Provincial Governments.
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*Women Labour in Mines
- Mr. Amarendra Nath Chattopadhyaya : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state the number of women labour in the mines and if there is child labour in mines, i.e., minors in the mines. If so, what ages ?
(b) What maternity benefits are given to women in factories, mills and mines ? How long does the Honourable Member contemplate to continue women labour in mines ?
(c) What is the function of the Labour Welfare Officers in the factories, mills and mines ? What are their qualifications ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) In 1943 the number of women labour in mines was 72,403 (this figure includes those working above and underground). Figures for 1944 are not available. In accordance with the Indian Mines Act, no children are employed in mines.
(b) A comparative statement showing some of the important provisions of Legislation regarding maternity benefit at present in force (or in contemplation) is laid on the table of the House. Recent
- Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 945, 13th March 1945, pp. 1408-09.