MINUTES OF THE INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE MEETING - MINISTRY OF STEEL, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Welcoming the participants, Chairman, IMC took up the Agenda items for discussion as stated below:-

(i) Mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) by workers engaged by shipbreakers

CEO, GMB informed that Supreme Court Committee visited Alang about a month back and appreciated the work done there. Regarding use of PPEs, the Committee was informed that the Ministry of Labour had intimated to the Ministry of Steel (MOS) that the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948 are applicable to all industries in general. Their implementation is to be ensured by the respective state governments who are also empowered to frame their own rules to implement the provisions of the Act. In view of this, Ministry of Labour cannot issue specific directions for higher penalty amount to be imposed on ship breakers, if they fail to ensure use of PPEs by the workers at the workplace. After discussion, Chairman directed that the Ministry of Labour may write to all State Governments in this regard and clarify the above position to them so the State Governments frame their own rules, if necessary, to ensure that the PPEs are used by the workers engaged by the ship breakers without fail.

President, ISSAI further stated that PPEs suitable to workers working in specific conditions of ship breaking have not been identified yet. Factory inspector/ DGFASLI has to identify PPEs. Representative of JPC added that list of equipments along with specifications has been prepared by ILO. After discussion, it was decided that Ministry of Labour may take up the issue of identification of PPEs with DG, FASLI. Chairman directed that identification of proper equipments should be done in a month’s time and for this purpose President, ISSAI would also be in touch with DG, FASLI. Chairman made it clear that GMB and other states where ship breaking is being done should strictly implement use of PPEs.

GMB informed 2-3 officers have been identified and names are being forwarded to BARC, Mumbai for one week training.

It was informed that first joint inspection was done on 26-04-05 and quarterly joint inspection is being planned. GMB was asked to send Quarterly Report to MOS also.

GMB informed that a decision has been taken by the state government to run the newly built hospital by the Health Commisionerate of the state government. For this recurring and non-recurring expenditure will be borne by GMB. Regarding the existing, Indian Red Cross Society Hospital, it was decided that the MOS will to write to the Chief Secretary. Gujarat for continuance of that hospital and post a doctor from State Govt. hospital in Bhavanagar to Alang. GMB will upgrade facilities for the working conditions of Doctor.

GMB informed that this is being used. However, Chairman directed GMB to send formal report/communication in this regard to Ministry of Steel and directed that GMB should strictly ensure use of gas detectors by shipbreakers to ensure labour safety in ship breaking operations.

(vi) Status of the comprehensive policy of GMB and allotment of smaller plots

GMB informed that the policy was under consideration of Finance department of the State government. It was decided that the Ministry of Steel will write to Chief Secretary, Gujarat. GMB further informed that only 3 categories of plots in place of earlier 7 categories are being formalized.

(vii) Status report on ‘Development of infrastructure facilities by GMB

Joint Secretary, MOS drew attention of Chairman to funds given from FSC. He said once FSC receives documentation for completion of work, funds required would be released. However, FSC is willing to give even 75% and not merely 50% of total expenditure alongwith GMB, in certain specific projects.

(viii) Participation of India in the next meetings of MEPC, IMO, ILO and Basel Convention

President, ISSAI informed about Joint Working Group – Basel, ILO, IMO being perused.ISSAI is not part of apex representative association of employees association in ILO. Chairman & Joint Secretary suggested that Ministry of Labour should write to employees association for including ISSAI to that body. Representative of Ministry of Labour said this was not possible. Chairman, emphasized that the Ministry of Labour should protect India’s interest in ILO, if ISSAI cannot be included in ILO, if ISSAI cannot be included in ILO.

JPC representatives pointed out that there was absence of grievance redressal mechanism in Alang. Non-existence of unions, lack of unionsation can be addressed by grievance redressal mechanism. Vice-Chairman, GMB suggested keeping a register with welfare officer for recording grievance. Problem is that these people are illiterate. Unorganised workers cannot fight their employees. Workers’ grievances can be looked after by visiting and talking to workers on site by Maritime Board/Welfare Officer. Labour department of State Government should giving recommendation to GMB. After discussions, it was agreed that MOS would write to Chief Secretary, Gujarat on this issue.

Item no. 3- India ’s stand in the next meeting of MEPC, IMO to be held in July’ 05

Ministry of Shipping (D.DG Shipping) & President, ISSAI gave a brief prepared for the purpose. Report submitted to IMO.

During the discussion, Vice Chairman, GMB, informed that 400 hutments have been removed by GMB.

State Govt. should do aggressive campaign in IMO for Alang. Ministry of Steel may write to Chief Secretary, Gujarat for ensuring a good and positive image of the ship breaking facilities.. It was also decided that Shipbreaker units should have ISO 14000 certification.

6 Shri M.Subba Rao, Additional Director., Ministry of Environment and Forests

Shri Dilip Mehrotra, Dy CS cum Sr.DDG(Tech), D.G.Shipping, Deptt. of Shipping.

Shri B.D.Ghosh, Executive Secretary, JPC, Kolkatta

Shri N.K.Verma, Additional Director, Central Pollution Control Board