Labour department calls on industries in Sikkim to improve welfare of workers

The Labour Department of Sikkim held a coordination meeting on April 22 at Shram Bhawan with HR managers from various companies and business establishments that operate in the state. These included representatives from pharmaceutical companies, factories, hotels, shopping malls, and other industrial units. The meeting was chaired by Bhim Thatal, Secretary of the Labour Department, and was attended by officials and staff from the department.

During the meeting, Secretary Bhim Thatal highlighted the importance of following labour laws and improving the welfare of workers in Sikkim. One of the main points discussed was the need to ensure that all workers are properly registered under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948. This law allows workers to get medical treatment and other health-related benefits. He stressed that companies must take this seriously and complete the registration process without delay, so that workers are not denied the benefits they are entitled to.

Another major issue raised was the need to set up Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in all workplaces that have ten or more employees. This is required under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Shri Thatal said that the safety and dignity of women workers must be ensured, and these committees are necessary to deal with complaints and create a safe working environment.

The Secretary also spoke about giving more job opportunities to local youth. He urged companies to give preference to local candidates while hiring new employees. He also encouraged them to work with local service providers and local security firms, saying that this would help create more jobs within the state and allow more Sikkimese people to benefit from industrial growth.

Thatal spoke about the Chief Minister’s vision of “Sunoulo, Samridha, and Samarth Sikkim,” which means a golden, prosperous, and capable Sikkim. He said the Labour Department is committed to turning this vision into reality and called on companies to join hands with the government to build a stronger and fairer economy.

The meeting also covered several other important topics related to workers’ welfare. These included the need to form Grievance Redressal Committees at workplaces so that workers can report problems and get quick solutions. He also mentioned the importance of appointing Nodal Officers and Complaint Officers as required under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017.

Thatal spoke about the need for proper working conditions. He reminded companies to ensure fair working hours, timely payment of wages, payment of overtime, weekly holidays, and compliance with the Minimum Wages Notification issued by the state government in September 2022. He also suggested installing complaint boxes in workplaces, so that workers can safely report issues without fear of punishment.

Another point he raised was the importance of keeping the workplace clean. He urged employers to make cleanliness a part of their routine. He also spoke about the need to support the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign aimed at creating a drug-free society. He said that industries must do their part by spreading awareness and encouraging workers to stay away from drug abuse.

As International Labour Day approaches on May 1, 2025, the Secretary requested all companies to celebrate the occasion in their establishments. He said it is important to recognize and honour the hard work of labourers, who are the backbone of economic growth and development.

He directed company representatives to prepare and submit a uniform calendar of holidays for their workers as per the Sikkim Labour (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2021. This, he said, would bring more order and transparency to work schedules and benefits.

Representatives from the companies present at the meeting thanked the Labour Department for organizing such an informative and helpful discussion. They appreciated the department’s efforts to promote workers' rights and said they would fully comply with all the rules and guidelines. They also promised to work in cooperation with the government to ensure the wellbeing of workers and contribute to the development of Sikkim.