Citizens in Madhya Pradesh can now report unregistered factories and construction sites through a new initiative called 'Shram Prahari' or Labour Watchdogs, using a toll-free helpline. The Labour department released an online list of currently operating registered construction projects, highly hazardous factories, and other factories on its portal labour.mp.gov.in on May 27.
How Citizens Can Help
Residents can check the online list to verify registrations. If any establishment or construction site is found unregistered, people can confidentially report it via the labour helpline. Based on the information received, the department will inspect the site and take legal and punitive action, as stated by the government.
Objective of the Initiative
The primary goal is to ensure safe working conditions and social security for workers. Registration with the Labour department is mandatory for all establishments and construction sites to enable workers to access welfare schemes.
Under the Factories Act, 1948, any premises where 20 or more workers are engaged in manufacturing activities, with or without electrical power, must obtain a licence from the chief inspector of factories. Additionally, the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996, requires employers to inform the labour department before commencing any construction work.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
There are strict legal provisions against employers who fail to register their establishments. For factories, penalties may include a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Failure to register construction sites may result in a fine of Rs 2,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.
The department has cautioned all employers to ensure immediate registration of their establishments and construction works to avoid punitive action.
