Government proposes Fixed Term Contract in all sectors
26 January 2018: The Union Labour Ministry issued a draft notification on 8 January 2018 proposing an amendment in the provisions of the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Central Rules, 1946 to allow Fixed Term Contracts (FTC) in all sectors.
The proposed amendments exempt the employers from:
- Serving notice of termination to temporary & badli workmen and to workers who would be employed under FTC, if they have been in service for less than three months or on expiry of their contract.
- The obligation to hire workmen through contractors, if the work is work is non-perennial and the services are required for a short period; and,
- Seek prior government approval in case of closure or termination of more than 300 workmen.
Foreign Direct Investment in Single Brand Retail and Construction raised to 100%
15 January 2018: Government has increased the cap of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Single Brand Retail to 100% with the clause that where the share of FDI exceeds 51%, 30% of the value of goods purchased must be from India. The government has also allowed for 100% and 49% FDI in the Construction sector and Civil Aviation sector respectively.
J&K government launches Muhafiz scheme for construction workers
9 January 2018: The Jammu & Kashmir Building and Other Construction Worker Welfare Board launched Muhafiz – an insurance scheme for construction workers which would provide a cover of Rs.4 lakh for accidental death, Rs.2 lakh for natural death, Rs.2 lakh for permanent disability, Rs.1 lakh for partial disability and a credit facility of up to Rs.10,000.
