Child labour to be eradicated by 2007: Verma

CHNDIGARH: Child labour would be eradicated from the country by 2007, Labour Minister Sahib Singh Verma said.
"Child labour will be totally wiped out from the country by 2007," he said, speaking at a seminar here on ''Social Dialogue as an Instrument of Decent Work'', organised by the PHCCI, the Council of Indian Employers and the ILO.
"In our Parliamentary democracy, social dialogue is a well-accepted principle and an integral part of our democratic functions. Social dialogue takes place among the social partners on most of the major socio-economic issues. Discussions and deliberations are organised at the highest level. Our Prime Minister holds regular meetings with the social partners on issues of major concern," Verma said.
In an informal chat with mediapersons later, Verma said the Centre was committed to bring a large workforce of 37 crore people working in the unorganised sector in the social security net.
Asked if the interest rate on EPF would be reduced, he said the matter has been put before the Board of Trustees, which are scheduled to meet in the capital on May 28.