At least 18 Indian textile associations, in a memorandum recently submitted to union labour & employment minister Bandaru Dattatreya, have urged for relaxation in some of the social security schemes such as Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees State Insurance Scheme (ESIS).

The associations have also sought flexible working hours for women which forms majority of the workforce in the textile industry. At times it becomes difficult for women to work for eight hours and prefer three- or six-hour shift. They also pleaded for amendment to the laws so that the workers and the industry be benefited.

The associations have also suggested implementation of social security schemes for employees only after six months of joining work. The proposed enhancement of wage ceiling limit from the existing Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 should be put on hold for some time as it would be an additional burden to the employer in the present situation, they said.

An expert committee with representatives of industry and stakeholders should be constituted to recommend uniform minimum wages for the textile industry across the country, the associations viewed.

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