Forget hire and fire, Centre tells states

The Centre has spelt out guidelines for states intending to rationalise labour laws. Besides a categorical no to the `hire and fire’ policy, the Centre has said that any amendments in labour laws must take place through consensus and states must ensure safety and health aspects of workmen.

Commenting on proposals of AP, MP and Maharashtra governments to relax some provisions of the central labour laws through state enactment, the Survey pointed out the broad guidelines of the centre:

“Principles enshrined in the National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP) with regard to the hire and fire and amendments of labour laws through consensus should be scrupulously observed.�

The NCMP rejects the idea of automatic hire and fire. It, however, recognises that some changes in labour laws may be required with interests of workers protected and consultation with trade unions.

The Survey has also pointed at the grim scenario of employment opportunities. Over 4 crore job seekers were registered with employment exchanges in 2004, but only 1.03 lakh had been recruited.