Category: Activities
Visit to IIT Assam by Director IGFP on 21st Feb 2022 for Activity of Cooperation on OSH & SS
Takeaways & Summing up Recommendation’s Involving Textiles Workshop Including Handloom Handicrafts on 17th Jan 2022
(Virtual Mode)
Summing up
1) Textile industry is one of the oldest industries in India and at present is the second largest employer with 10.5crore people directly and indirectly employed, accounting for 2.5%of country’sGDP,11%of industrial output and 11%of exports
2) Sustainability is an important factor for the industry with supply of cotton fibre from organic sources and manmade fibre from petroleum sources, which act as important raw material sources for garment units coming up in Odisha .
3)App developed by BGETEM, Germany could be adopted in India for dissemination of OSH information among workers as has been done in other countries including Bangladesh.
4) Need for greater awareness generation needed on OSH issues and govt schemes on social security.
5)Need for constitution amendment to make universal social security and health a fundamental right.
6)Main sources of hazards relate to cotton dust, noise, chemicals and chemical dyes, ergonomics and OSH policies and programmes must take into consideration the hazards originating from these sources.
7)A value -chain approach needs to be taken to identify OSH issues for textiles sector as each segment of the value -chain has a different OSH issue , The segments of the value -chain include ginning, spinning, weaving including hand looms and powerlooms processing, knitting, apparels &made -ups. The value -chain is distributed across different sectors including agriculture, large mills, MSMEs and the unorganized sector including the cottage and tiny sectors.
8)Focus on employers commitment for career opportunities of employees and skilling of women workers are important for the growth of textile industry.
9)ESIC scheme benefits are available to informal /unorganized, contractual workers working in organized /formal sector units in the industry
Prepared by
Indo German Focal Point of India (IGFP) with Support of Mr. P P Mitra Former Principal. LEA, MOLE, (IGFP Advisory Board)
Takeaways/Press Note
1. Even though the first wave of Covid-19 gave us a jolt in terms of closure of establishments and reduction in employment and income, because of various ameliorative steps taken, situation during the second and present third wave is broadly under control.
2. Textiles sector employs both formal and informal workers. For achieving zero fatality rate in this sector, Gujrat has resorted to (i) testing, (ii) training, (iii) mechanical and electrical interlocking of machines at rest and (iv) preparation of SOPs in Hindi and relevant regional languages.
3.Textiles establishments will have to meet decarbonization commitments. Environment, Social and Governance (ECG) aspects are important. Decent work conditions get covered in social aspect. Government should help in digitization work relating to unorganized textiles sector.
4. Textile workers are to be made aware of the health issues, so that they can take care of themselves. Textile cooperatives are to be made more broad-based.
5. Textile workers suffer from cotton dust, chemicals, noise and ergonomic conditions. Norms prescribed to minimize them need to be followed.
6. There should be free vaccination, compensation for death/disability, and payment of social security contribution by Government in respect of contract, outsourced and piece-rated workers. Occupational Safety, health and social security should be made a constitutional right for all workers including those engaged in textiles industry.
7. At international level various multinational Apps/Booklets etc. developed by BG ETEM and BG BAU are available on Occupational Safety and Health in textiles sector, which can be followed.
8. Earlier migrant workers used to come to host States with their families. Now they come alone; so the responsibility of management to look after them has increased.
9. Textile establishments need marketing help to overcome pandemic crisis. Technology providers should remove drudgery in textile manufacturing processes.
10. Textiles sector in India, especially handloom and handicrafts, represent our rich cultural heritage and has a lot of scope. The sustainability aspect has to be kept in view. Odisha has the potential of emerging as the hub of the East, especially in respect of man-made fiber.
11. Hazards in the textiles sector can be controlled by safety audit, safety survey, identifying hazards, risk analysis, risk estimation, job safety analysis, safety promotion, emergency preparedness, safety sample, safety committee and safety inspection.
12. Occupational diseases in textiles sector are to be seriously looked at. There is an interplay of human, machine and environmental factors. The ergonomic problems require both administrative and engineering control and management of posture and angles.
13. Bothe ESIC and EPFO are providing various social security measures. Employers should encourage and facilitate their eligible employees to register in e-shram portal of Ministry of Labour& Employment so that they can avail various welfare benefits.
14. Textiles sector has a diversified product base, each contributing separately to the value chain. Each segment (fibre- yarn- processing- apparels and made-ups) require independent treatment in respect of Occupational Safety and Health.
15. Women play an important role in textiles sector. In order to promote sustainability in the textiles sector, Ministy of Textiles should issue an advisory to management to (i) be more women-sensitive and (ii) implement and promote digital literacy.
Prepared by
Indo German Focal Point of India (IGFP) with Support of Dr Ashok Sahu Former SG,NHRC & LEA, MOLE
Presentation by Dr. Malay Kumar Pradhan
Presentation by Dr. Somnath
Presentation by Sylvia Hubalek / Jakob Kort
Presentation by Sukhwinder Singh Bhatti
| Goodwill Thanks Message for Today’s Workshop on Textiles Sector Coordinated by IGFP with KIIT university |
| Kort, Jakob <Jakob.Kort@bgbau.de> | Mon, Jan 17, 2022 at 6:03 PM |
| To: bimal sahu <focalpointindia.dguv@gmail.com> | |
Dear Mr. Sahu, thank your very much for your kind E-Mail and that we have been able to show our presentation and the key success factors of the “prevention App”. While I am looking forward to further meetings and workshops, I send best regards from Berlin to India! Jakob Kort Mit freundlichen Grüßen |
Season”s Greetings from IGFP
Dear Valued Partners/ Supporters
Indo German Focal Point ( IGFP ) with strong support of our German Partners led by German Social Accident Insurance ( DGUV ) is promoting Occupational Safety Health ( OSH ) & Social Security ( SS ) since 2017- reaching 23 States & 2 UTs with 20,422 Individuals & 1073 Institutions in India & reaching 32 Countries through Participation in National/ International Programs till Date. Significantly when most were in Low Key during restrictions like Lockdown/shutdown, IGFP could take Awareness/ Training Programs reaching Workers & Industries @ District/ State/ National & International Level.All these could be possible with your Strong Support, IGFP take this Achievement as Stepping Stone to Look Forward to ” A Happy Prosperous Christmas & New Year 2022 for All Our Partners/ Supporters ” with A Message Flowing from 7 Golden Rules of Vision Zero As Way Ahead for 2022- “Zero Tolerance for Accident & Infection @ Workplace/ Home & Road Safety ” & ” Empowering Children & Women that -Parents, You Stay Safe so that the the Family is Secured & Nation is Prosperous”.Thanks once Again ( Stay Safe & Healthy )
With Cheers & Regards
Mr B.K Sahu
Former Insurance Commissioner, ESIC, Ministry of Labour,
Communication Adviser To Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority, IRDA,
Now Director @ Indo- German Focal Point- Prevention & Social Security For India , DGUV
Land No- 0674-2386668,
Mobile- 9040590798/ 9818098844
Our Website:-www.indogermanfocalpoint.com
“5 Years of Indo German Cooperation on OSH, SS”
Activities of Cooperation on OSH SS with Labour Department govt of Haryana
Activities of Cooperation on OSH SS with Labour Department govt of Himachal Pradesh
Dear Mr Dhiman Saheb, IAS ACS( Labour Department ) Govt of Himachal Pradesh
At the outset I would like to express our Sincere thanks for giving A Patience Long Hearing Involving IGFP Presentation on OSH SS with Focus on Areas of Activities of Cooperation – Having A State Level Workshop on Safety Health Social Security in the context of MSME Trade Transportation Electricity Sectors for the State, Knowledge Sharing involving Best Practices on OSH SS, Strengthening of State Labour Institute with Technical Support , Training Awareness Programs involving State Construction welfare Boards & Introduction of OSH /DM/ PM in School Syllabus Your Positive response along with that of the Labour Commissioner who was present in the Meeting on 2nd December 2021in your Office chamber is really encouraging – exhibiting your concern for the welfare of Workers industries in the state. As advised by you ” How to Formalize these areas of Cooperation through MOU”, I would take up with our German Partners led by German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) in the same manner as per their MOU with DGFASLI ESIC MOL as advised by you for State Labour Department Himachal Pradesh for which copy of this mail is endorsed to Our Partners DGUV ect. Thanks once again and I am enclosing herewith Slide containing Points for Discussion, Few Snaps of our Meeting , Your Goodwill Message as recorded in Safely Health Booklet, Slide containing MOU of DGUV with DGFASLI/ESIC of MOL , IGfP Brochure with Few Programs of International/ National Programs done with Labour Departmet of States so far for your kind perusal & N/ A. Assuring IGFP Coordinated Activities of Cooperation on OSH SS.Would be grateful for your kind response to above.With cheers and regards
Mr B.K Sahu
Former Insurance Commissioner, ESIC, Ministry of Labour,
Communication Adviser To Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority, IRDA,
Now Director @ Indo- German Focal Point- Prevention & Social Security For India , DGUV
Land No- 0674-2386668,
Mobile- 9040590798/ 9818098844
Our Website:-www.indogermanfocalpoint.com
Activities of Co-operation on OSH & SS with Jharkhanda Govt by IGFP
Awareness Program on Safety, Health and Nation Building in the wake of COVID-19 Pandemic with Focus on Zero Tolerance on 14th November 2021 With Strong Support of Unit -1 Govt Boys High School, Bhubaneswar
One day Regional Workshop on Occupational Safety, Health and Social Security for MSME Sector (Small Businesses)
Presentation by Dr G. MANJUNATH., KLS, Phd Additional Labour Commissioner, Government of Karnataka KASSIA, BENGALURU on Labour Codes and Its Impact on MSME Sector
Presentation by Dr. Imtihan Hussain MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT
Presentation by IGFP
Presentation by Samarendra Sahu
Presentation by Prof. Karl Heinz Noetel, Senior Advisor DGUV
Presentation by A.K.Sahoo, Additional Commissioner and RD, ESIC, MOL
Presentation by Dr.Malaya Pradhan, GM, OSDMA, Govt of Odisha\
7 Golden Rules for Small Businesses
Visit to Factory Khordha Industrial Estate on 30th Sep 2021, (Utkal Breweries Ltd )
Factory Visit by Prof K.H. Noetel on 30th September, 2021
• Factory visit by Prof Karl Henz Noetel, senior adviser DGUV accompanied
by Dr. Malaya Pradhan, GS OSDMA and director IGFP made a field visit to
Khordha industrial estate to appreciate occupational safety and health in the
factory.
• Factory manager and safety officer took Prof Noetel and his group for plant
visit explaining safety and health measures taken in the factory for the
workers.
• At the end of the visit Prof Noetel express happiness of given equipment of
the factory premises and all round cleanness and particularly leadership
display by the factory manager in leading from the front by wearing PPE by
himself
Report edited by IGFP Team
Discussion on ‘Welfare Measures by Odisha State Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board during Covid-19 Pandemic and Possible Synergy Between Construction Boards, ESIC and EPFO with e-Shram Portal’ on 29.09.2021 at Bhubaneswar
Discussion on ‘Welfare Measures by Odisha State Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board during Covid-19 Pandemic and Possible Synergy Between Construction Boards, ESIC and EPFO with e-Shram Portal’ on 29.09.2021 at Bhubaneswar
Takeaways/Press Note
- There is great synergy between Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) and Social Security (SS) in respect of all sectors including MSME, Small Business and Construction sectors.
- In Germany Covid-19 is treated as an occupational disease and once it is established that a person has been a patient of Covid-19, he/she is entitled to compensation.
- Social Distancing, use of Mask and Sanitization (SMS) have to be followed along with vaccination so that Covid-19 can be managed.
- Construction Boards, ESIC and EPFO will have to play a pro-active role in making e-Shram portal a success.
- Construction Board should focus on promoting welfare measures both during normal and abnormal/difficult times.
- ESIC and EPFO will have to make available social security benefits to both organized and unorganized sector workers to make its universalization a reality.
- Registration of construction workers is important so that various welfare measures can reach them as there is no constraint of funds.
- ILO Convention on death and social security should be honoured. Health and Social Security should be made a fundamental right.
- Odisha Construction Board has undertaken various welfare measures both during normal and Covid-19 times. It was suggested that updated information in this regard should be put in their website.
- ESIC is operating Covid-19 relief scheme for dependants and spouses and relaxed Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana to provide compensation to those Insured Persons who have lost jobs.
- A study in respect of construction workers is being conducted by collecting information through field survey and secondary sources primarily to assess how far developmental measures have reached them.
- EPFO has also undertaken various schemes to fight Covid-19 like advance payment of wages, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalayn Yojana, waiver of penalties and Atmanirvar Bharat Rozgaar Yojana.
- While Covid-19 is a global phenomenon, advance preparation is necessary for meeting adverse consequences arising in respect of difficult situations like climate change.
- The situation is most difficult for migrant labor which necessitates new legislative initiatives.
- Registration helps in identification of construction labor, especially those who are contract workers. It should be given priority attention.
Discussion on ‘Welfare Measures by Odisha State Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board during Covid-19 Pandemic and Possible Synergy Between Construction Boards, ESIC and EPFO with e-Shram Portal’ on 29.09.2021 at Bhubaneswar
Minutes
The list of names of discussants is annexed.
Initiating the discussions, Mr. B.K. Sahu stated that functions of the State Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Boards, including Odisha Construction Board, require review. Mr P.S. Panda welcomed all participants in IGFP’s noble endeavor and assured ESIC’s continued support in future.
The Discussion was chaired by Mr. Amar Satapathy. He welcomed Prof. K.H. Noetel for his sustained interest which is reflected in his coming all the way from Germany during these trying times. He also praised Mr. B.K. Sahu, as the soul and moving spirit behind IGFP, for having organized a number of programs which have been fruitful in promoting the interests of workers.
Mr. B.K. Sahu commended the professional approach of Mr. Amar Satapathy despite being a politician. He also highlighted the synergy between safety and social security which was deliberated in the Bengaluru workshop. The proceedings were also appreciated by Mr. Mahadevan, a veteran trade union leader. He thanked Prof. Noetel for his continued interest and support. He pointed out that important decisions arrived at various workshops should be put in to practice. He further stated that organizations like ESIC and EPFO have been implementing various welfare measures to fight Covid-19.
Prof. K.H. Noetel narrated German experience relating to Covid-19. He stated that in Germany Covid-19 is treated as an occupational disease. Once it is established that a person has been a patient of Covid-19, he/she is entitled to compensation. Germany has so far faced four waves of Covid-19 but the adverse Impact of the fourth wave is less pronounced due to full vaccination of 70% of the population and adherence to Covid-19 related appropriate behavior(SMS: social distancing, use of masks and sanitization). On a query from the chairman, he clarified that Covid-19 is not over but it can be managed. Operationally advice is rendered first and if not followed, penal action is resorted to. Germany is ahead in vaccination drive in Europe which has considerable beneficial impact. It is now felt that health safety is an important issue and the entire globe is interdependent. Mr. Amar Satapathy commented that India has handled Covid-19 situation well. It is noticed that antibodies have developed and RT-PCR test as a safety measure is widely practised even in construction sector.
In Curtain Raiser Dr, Ashok Sahu pointed out that the present discussion would centre around two themes and subsume three decisions made in an earlier workshop by IGFP on 30.07.2021 regarding reviewing the performance of Construction Boards across India and Odisha as well as of ESIC and EPFO. In respect of the former, he indentified availability of adequate funds at the disposal of Construction Board as crucial since the Scheme is cess-funded. He analyzed the characteristics of construction workers as well as problems encountered by them especially during Covid-19. He led down possible ameliorative steps which the Boards can contemplate undertaking both during normal and difficult times like Covid-19. As main social security provider ESIC and EPFO should facilitate its universalization by covering unorganized sector workers. He outlined modalities of e-Shram Portal while pointing out that effective hand-holding is required for registering certain segments of unorganized sector workers for which supportive role of trade unions, employers, developmental institutions and civil society is very crucial.
Dr. R.C. Khuntia stated that registration of construction workers is important as it will determine what type of benefits will go to which categories of workers. But it has not yet happened despite Supreme Court directive. ILO Conventions on death and safety needs to be honoured and health and social security should be made a fundamental right. Even though being cess-funded Construction Boards have no constraint of funds, the compensation paid to construction workers to fight Covid-19 was grossly inadequate. Chairman requested him to send points raised by him in writing to IGFP For wider dissemination.
Mr. Subash Singh conveyed his points of view telephonically as he could not attend the meeting due to other pressing engagements.
Mr. B.N. Mohapatra pointed at that Odisha Construction Board in implementing 17 types of welfare schemes for construction workers covering areas like education, health, social security, accidental relief, housing, pension, skill upgradation etc. During Covid-19 Government of India issued model guidelines to be followed by all construction Boards so as to minimize wide divergence, which are now being followed. Under Mission-mode project about 3.3 million construction workers have been registered in Odisha among whom 2.6 to 2.7 million are active members. About 1.1 million workers have benefitted from Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Special Covid-19 Assistance announcement under which even cash was distributed with the help of District Collectors under trying circumstances due to complete lockdown. He was requested to update Odisha Construction Board’s website.
Mr. P.S. Panda highlighted the details of Covid-19 relief scheme for dependants and spouse and relaxed Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana for providing compensation to Insured Persons losing jobs. He also showed pictures of his taking Personal care in distributing relief which was appreciated.
Dr M.K. Pradhan gave details of the proposed research project under which information will be collected from both secondary and primary sources by conducting a field survey to find out to what extent benefits being provided by both Central and State Governments have accrued to construction workers.
Mr. C.R. Swain, representing RPFC, highlighted important facets of various schemes being implemented by EPFO like Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, Atmanirvar Bharat Rozgaar Yojana under which advance of 3 months wages are provided and penal damages are waived.
In conclusion, Mr. Amar Satapathy stated that Covid-19, as a global phenomenon, has been a great learning experience. There is need for advance preparation for exigencies during abnormal and difficult times caused by factors like climate change during which plight of migrant workers is more visible. He felt that even though model welfare guidelines are being followed by Construction Boards, there is need for more awareness generation. Registration of construction workers especially those engaged on contract basis, is very Important. He reiterated the points highlighted Dr. R.C. Khuntia like primacy of health care measures, new legislative initiatives etc.
The Discussion ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.
Prepared by Indo German Focal Point of India (IGFP) with Support of Dr Ashok Sahu Former SG,NHRC & LEA, MOLE
| Sl. No | Name | Designation | Remarks |
| 01 | Mr. Amar Satapathy | MLA, Odisha, Legislative Assembly | Chairman |
| 02 | Prof. Karl Heinz Noetel | Senior Advisor, DGUV & CEO BG BAU, Germany | International Speaker |
| 03 | Mr. Subash Singh | Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) | Speaker |
| 04 | Dr R C Khuntia | Former MP & National Vice President INTUC | Speaker |
| 05 | Dr. Ashok Sahu | Former SG,NHRC & LEA, MOLE | Speaker |
| 06 | Mr. Partha Sarathi Panda | RD ESIC,Odisha Bhubaneswar | Speaker |
| 07 | Mr. C R Swain | Representing RPFC @ Bhubaneswar | Speaker |
| 08 | Mr. B M Mahapatra | Representing Chairman Odisha Construction Board | Speaker |
| 09 | Dr. Malay Pradhan | GM,OSDMA | Speaker |
| 10 | Mr. B.K Sahu | Former Insurance Commissioner ESIC/ IRDA and Head of Indo-German Focal Point India | Coordinator |
List of Discussants @ Discussion on ‘Welfare Measures by Odisha State Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board during Covid-19 Pandemic and Possible Synergy Between Construction Boards, ESIC and EPFO with e-Shram Portal’ on 29.09.2021 at Bhubaneswar
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