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The Highlights of Labor Policy: A Critical Evaluation (October 12)

"Workers of all Countries Unite"
Labor, as it is, is one of the most important factors of production. Land may remain unexploited and capital idle if labor does not come into the picture. It is said to be the prime mover of all the means of production.

The importance of labor is laid down as: "Labor is the source of all wealth, the political economist assert. And it really is the source - next to nature, which supplies it with the material that it converts into wealth. But it is infinitely more than this. It is the prime basic condition for all human existence, and this to such an extent that, in a sense, we have to say that Labor created man himself." (Karl Marx and Frederick Engels: Selected Works, Vol III, P 66).

Labor is, thus termed as means and end of production and consequently human welfare. "The mastery over nature began with the development of hand, with labor, and widened man's horizon at every new advance. He was continually discovering new, hitherto unknown properties in natural objects". (Ibid-P-68). And since labor cannot be separated from laborer, we need to know the present scenario of workers' position in different parts of the world.

There are 120 million or so unemployed worldwide and millions more have given up the hope of finding work. (World Development Report, 1995). The same is true in the case of India. In India, there are 40 million unemployed persons. In many countries, workers lack representation and work in unhealthy, dangerous and/or demeaning conditions.

The matter becomes more clear when we see that social security schemes or welfare measures in the forms of pension, medical reimbursement, die-in-harness, maternity benefit, or any policy or program related to the welfare of labor can at best cover only the workers in formal/organized sector who make up just 15 per cent of the labor force in low income countries including India.

Majority of the workers in informal sector and rural areas, as such, remains in all forms of dismal manifestations. In Manipur, as also in other parts of the country, the workers, particularly the workers in informal sector are in deplorable condition. For instance, screen printers, tobacco harvesters, cement bag dusters, agarbati workers, workers in local made mosquito smoke made of DDT, rag pickers, construction workers, hotel boys, etc. suffer from numerous health problems. What begins as a minor occupation related health problem might develop into a serious dreaded disease.

Besides, discrimination on grounds of sex is alarming. A female worker earns lesser amount (Rs 10-20) than the male counterpart during agricultural peak season for the same work. However, many are on this pitifully low return to their hard work. "Besides, physical problems, mental stress too takes its toll. Women at work often tend to be worried about home and family income. There may be sexual exploitation of these women at work. And at home too, they may suffer physical violence." (Times of India, Sept 4, 2000, Monday).

It will be worthwhile to mention something about child labor also. Restaurants, hotels, transport services, etc are the best example where plenty of child labor operate. A passenger bus has at least two conductors/handymen of tender age. Their work remains near to servitude. This state of affairs relate to "poverty" and poor quality or availability of education.

Children in poor families work because the family needs extra income, especially if the parents' major source of revenue is uncertain/meager. As parents' income rise, the problem could be minimized to some extent. In India, a 10 percent increase in mother's income would lower girls labor force participation by 9 to 10 percent.

The government of Manipur has announced the absence of child labor in the state, in spite of the fact that their physical appearance is in sight in both rural and urban areas. It can be undoubtedly generalized that for most households, poor and prosperous alike, income from work is the main determinant of their living condition.

The economic objectives of households are similar everywhere: families seek to meet their basic needs; improve their living standard; manage the risks they face in an uncertain world; and expand opportunities for their children. Here, as a result, we should say economic growth is good for workers. Investment in skills, health and nutrition of workers is key both to their welfare and to economic success.

Imperatives of Labor Policy:
Before we come to the points on labor policy, let us spare some time on the economic scenario of the state vis-à-vis the country.

Now is the time of changes. From feudal-like socio-economic formation, the economy is compelled to leapfrog to the present day knowledge-based economy. IT revolution has enhanced it. The one leg is in the survival-oriented economy and one leg is trying to step in the world of changes. It is unfortunate also that event today we have 33 percent of the population below poverty line. Literacy rate is high but number of educated persons is low.

A technical center is at the infant stage after 20th century. There is crying phenomenon of 'miseducation'. Of its own, the tiny land locked state, Manipur, remains industrially zero. The geo-political constraints and other natural hindrances captivated the economy in the rut of fundamental backwardness. And here, by employment we mean merely government jobs.

The ratio of the government employees to the population is alarmingly large. It is 1:25 as against the all - India average 1:125. And these are most while-collar jobs, breeding middle class bureaucratic mentality. No industrial base naturally implies that agriculture still remains the backbone of the state economy contributing nearly half of the State Domestic Product (SDP) and sheltering 70 percent of its population. But we are bound to remain drowned in the sea of changes-and tide of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization.

The dilemma is accentuated by another very important factor supporting "this trend of change - urbanization in some cases - is the age profile of the population. It is estimated that as much as 67 per cent of the population will be under 34 years now. The pre-dominantly young population will seek novelty, variety and display greater propensity to change". (Perspective Plan for the North East, - by North Eastern Council, NEC, Shillong).

As such, a sound level policy should bear all these images. Isolated move would be fruitless and lead us nowhere. Thus, we should afford such a policy that suits the economic changes and realities in tune with new economy. Simultaneously the question of 2Hs- health and happiness is to be kept in active consideration.

Thus, a good policy will generally involves action in three areas:
1) Enhancing mobility
2) Reducing income insecurity and
3) Equipping workers for change
Thus, enabling the workers to work in atmosphere of:
1) Establishing the rules of management-management negotiations;
2) Spelling out right for workers, job security
3) Securing for income insecurity
4) Establishing dispute resolution mechanism; and
5) Promulgating basic health and safety regulation much remains to be done to improve the management market in Manicure.

(Courtesy: The Imphal Free Press)

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