Dattatreya advises Mamata to facilitate labour law reform in West Bengal

New Delhi [India], Apr. 7(ANI): In a letter addressed to Mamata Banerjee, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya has suggested the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led state government to undertake an exercise to eliminate overlapping and redundant policies with regards to labour laws implemented in West Bengal. With reference to the Government of India's recent initiatives to reduce the complexity of compliance and bring transparency and accountability in enforcing the labour laws, Dattatreya advised Mamata to make necessary amendments that will ease compliance of labour laws in the state for establishments that fall under the precinct of the state government. "While reviewing the requirement of forms and reports/returns provided under various labour laws, it was observed that 36 forms prescribed under three Acts and the Rules made there under had several overlapping/redundant fields. Therefore, an exercise was undertaken in my Ministry to do away with overlapping fields and reduce the number of forms to promote ease of compliance and also to save efforts and cost. The same can also be maintained in digital form," the letter read. The Minister further emphasised on the importance of making forms and reports as simple and small as possible, since it reduces compliance costs and efforts. The letter further directed attention towards a report titled 'Rationalisation of Forms and Reports under Certain Labour Laws Rules, 2017' which was updated on March 28 on the Ministry of Labour and Employment website. "Reforms can take place only when both Central and State Governments take steps in rationalising and simplifying procedures as well as forms to be maintained under the Labour Laws. I would request you to undertake a similar exercise in your state and make appropriate amendments in the state rules," the letter read. (ANI)