BANGALORE: Not satisfied with the explanations with regards to fixation of minimum wage for workers engaged in coffee and tea estates in the state, the Karnataka high court has directed the a senior official of the labour department to give details as to how the said figure was arrived at.
“How can a family comprising children and elderly can survive with that amount ?” Justice Rammohan Reddy asked.
The Judge also asked the authorities to furnish the educational qualifications of those in the committee that fixed the said amount as minimum wage.
“The fixation of minimum wage at the rate of Rs 175/- per day for labourer engaged in Cinchona, tea, rubber and coffee estate in the State of Karnataka is said to be based upon a report of one V Shanthappa. The criteria mentioned therein is said to be the basis and foundation for calculating the minimum wage. In order to ascertain as to whether or not the relevant criteria is considered along with realities of every day s life, regard being had to dearness allowance and other relevant factors, T. Srinivasa, the joint labour commissioner, is directed to file an affidavit with relevant material particulars over the fixation of minimum daily wage which shall also contain material particulars about the educational qualification of each and every member who constitute the committee for the purpose of fixing the minimum wage” the Judge has said in his order.
The association of coffee planters has challenged the said fixation claiming that it is not in accordance with the norms and methodology .
