N. Giri Prasad & Anantray Devshankar Dave: Whether there is a proposal before government for enacting a central law for agricultural and construction workers? If so, what is the stage of consideration of this proposal. Whether state governments are being consulted in this regard?

The Minister of Labour: Proposals for central legislations for agricultural and construction workers are at an advanced stage of consideration. Wide-ranging consultations have been held with the State Governments to evolve a consensus and while formulating the proposals, due note is being taken of the state legislations, wherever they are existing. While there has been some difference of opinion on the central legislation for agricultural workers among the states mainly on account of widely varying agro-c1imatic and socio-economic conditions and administrative systemspractices, there is a general consensus in favour of taking up this legislation. It is proposed to build in sufficient flexibility to suit different local requirements and needs.

Sanjay Dalmia & Dr. Bapu Kaldate: Whether any study has been made of the incidence of Fibrosis or Silicosis among the workers engaged in mining industry. If so, the level of incidence of such diseases in the country as a whole and among specific groups of workers such as those engaged in slate mining or beddi wrapping?

The Minster Of Labour: According to the information available with the ministry, three studies on incidence of silicosis in mines were conducted: (1) Study at Kolar Gold Fields in 1944 (2) Study in Mica Mines in Bihar in 1953 (3) Study in Manganese Mines in 1960.

The incidence of Silicosis disease, as reported in these studies ranged between 4.0 to 43.7 per cent. In addition, Five surveys on Pneumoconiosis which includes fibrosis or silicosis were also conducted in coal and mica mines by different individuals/agencies during 1956 to 1980. The incidence of Pneumoconiosis in these surveys ranged between 4.8 to 18.8 per cent.

No specific information about any study being undertaken to detect the incidence of these diseases in slate mines as well as in beedi wrapping is available.

Rajya Sabha, Question No. 1979,21 August `95

Mohammed Afzal Alias Meem Afzal: What is the number of trading concerns as on 31 st March, 1995 which were to deposit more then five lakhs towards P.F. arrears of the employees? What are the names and amount of such concerns together with the outstanding amount?

The Minister Of Labour: As on 31.03.1995, there were 679 establishments in the country which had P.F. default of more then 5 lakhs. As the number of such defaulters is quite large, it is somewhat difficult to furnish their individual details. At present, the information relating to default by the trading concerns is not separately maintained.