Archives- News Updates On July

New Pension Scheme covering more than 5,00,000 employees

The New Pension Scheme (NPS) launched by the government has subscribed more than 500,000 people till the end of June this year. This scheme was opened to all citizens of India from May 2009. Earlier, the benefit of Section 80 CCD of Income Tax Act, 1961, covered only employees of central and state governments. But now, it covers every person with 50 percent of the scheme’s funds being allowed for stock market investment.

Source:business.rediff.com, July 28, 2009. “Over 500,000 join New Pension Scheme”

Social networking sites hamper workforce productivity

A survey conducted by Nucleus Research on 237 employees throughout the world suggests that around 1.5 % productivity of the entire workforce is lost due to the use of social networking sites at work hours. At a time when maximum companies face shrinking bottom-lines, this loss in productivity can be more harmful. The study says that on an average, employees spend 15 minutes per day to access social networking websites.

Source:www.livemint.com, July 26, 2009.“Firms losing 1.5% of office output on networking sites: survey”

BPOs step up hiring activities

After a major decline in manpower this year, BPOs are recruiting again. BPOs have begun to expand their headcount, mostly in the BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) and telecom sectors; targeting to hire people with good leadership qualities with finance and accounting skills. The BPO industry revival has increased positive sentiments among employers and employees alike.

Source:www.financialexpress.com, July 30, 2009.“BPOs on a hiring spree again”

Karnataka legislators get a high salary rise

The salaries, pensions and allowances of Karnataka legislators have been raised under The Karnataka’s Legislature Salaries, Pensions and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2009. This amendment nearly doubled the salary of legislators’ staff and also raised their pension from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 15000. Along with them, the salary of their room boy is also been hiked, resulting in quite a few happier and richer faces.

Source:www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com, July 30, 2009. “Legislators gift themselves a big fat pay hike”

Salary rise of upto three-fold for lower court judges

The Supreme Court of India on 28th July received a recommendation for a three-fold salary hike in the salary of trial court judges. A three judge bench of the SC has given 4 weeks time and called for next hearing on 1st September 2009. This recommendation was made after a salary hike for judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts under the Second National Judicial Pay Commission (SNJPC)

Source:www.indianexpress.com, July 28, 2009.“SC seeks response on three-fold salary hike for trial judges”

Training period for freshers registers a two-fold increase in the IT Sector

In the backdrop of the economic slowdown, Indian IT firms have increased the training period for fresher in the IT industry to 6 months from 3 months earlier. These firms are of the view that this extended training period will ensure better and effective training to meet the future needs of the industry while enhancing their skill sets. However, companies will have to incur additional expenses due to the increased training duration.

Source:www.dnaindia.com, July 24, 2009. “IT firms double training period for freshers”

Diamond industry reviving, faces skilled worker shortage

The diamond industry, which was adversely affected by the economic slowdown last year, has shown promising signs of revival. The industry now faces acute shortage of skilled workers, mostly due to the 2 lakh workers who switched jobs and left the diamond hub of Surat. All this while the demand for diamond jewellery in the Diwali and Christmas season this year is expected to be high.

Source:www.business-standart.com, July 23, 2009.“Diamond industry faces staff crunch”

SC: Special leave not included in employee rights

In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that government employees cannot demand special leave in the ambit of their employee rights. The SC bench passed this judgment striking down a judgment given by high courts of Haryana and Punjab. The judgment by SC declared that the special leave facility, which can be extended upto 5 yrs in normal case, will depend on administrative exigencies.

Source:business.rediff.com, July 22, 2009. “Employees have no right of 'special leave': SC”

Manpower shortage hits income tax department

The income tax department is facing a high shortage of employees with more than 9000 positions under ministerial staff and lower level employees lying vacant. This shortage in manpower is not only at lower level but is also at commissioner level and is affecting the target set by government for collection of taxes in the current fiscal year.

Source:www.thehindubusinessline.com, July 20, 2009.“Income Tax Dept Facing Acute Staff Shortage”

11 percent salary rise seen across sectors in the current financial year

As per a survey by Hewitt Associates, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and telecom sectors have witnessed the highest rise in salaries for the financial year 2009-10. The survey revealed that the highest salary hike of around 11.1 percent was seen in pharma sector while IT and financial services came at the bottom. According to Hewitt Associates, while companies are cutting jobs across the globe, Indian Inc has adopted a way of reward on the basis of performance with minimal job lay offs.

Source:www.indianexpress.com, July 27, 2009.“Pharma, mfg, telecom see the highest salary hikes”

Kerala MLAs demand salary hike

2 MLAs of the Kerala Assembly threatened dire consequences if steps were not taken to increase their salary and constituency allowance. MLA Alphonse Kannanthanam complained that their salary is just Rs. 15000 and further added that if this situation did not improve he will quit politics and commit suicide. They made comparisons of their salary with MLAs of Tamil Nadu who get a salary of half a lakh per month while continually urging the assembly to hike their salaries.

Source:www.expressbuzz.com, July 24, 2009. “MLAs’ ‘threat’ over poor salary”

TN MLAs get salary hike

Tamil Nadu state Finance Minister K Anbazhagan announced a salary hike of Rs. 5000 for MLAs while increasing the MLA Constituency Development Fund from Rs. 1.5 crore to 1.7 crore. The pension of former MLAs was raised from Rs. 8000 to Rs. 10000. The state govt also added that legal heirs of former MLAs would get a pension of Rs. 5000 with free treatment in government hospitals. This hike will be implementated with retrospective effect from April 1, 2009.

Source:www.expressbuzz.com, July 22, 2009.“MLA salary up by Rs 5,000”

Maharashtra power sector employees end strike after 30% pay hike

On Tuesday, 21st July, the employees of three state-owned power companies in Maharashtra ended their strike after getting a 30 percent hike in their salary. The employees of these companies in power generation, transmission and distribution had gone on strike from Monday midnight which disrupted the power supply for around 3 hours. The salary hike will be implemented from 1st April, 2008 and the difference will be paid in 3 installments to the employees.

Source:timesofindia.indiatimes.com, July 22, 2009. “30% pay hike ends power sector strike”

UP govt. raises salary for higher education teachers

The govt of Uttar Pradesh has raised the salary of higher education teachers by releasing a fitment table as per the recommendation of University Grant Commission (UGC). This fitment tables contains benefits like raise in salary, increase in age of retirement to 65 years; the difference in pay will be given with a retrospective effect from January 2006. However, the teachers were expecting more benefits like house rent allowance, maternity leave, child care leave on which the teachers’ union is wants the state government to take a decision by July 28.

Source:timesofindia.indiatimes.com, July 21, 2009. “Higher education teachers to get more salary”

MSEDCL employees demand salary hike

The employees of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. (MSEDCL) along with the generation and transmission units have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from Monday midnight demanding an 18% hike in salaries. The management has placed this proposal to the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) while asking the employees to reconsider their decision to strike as the decision for salary hike will be implemented only after consultations with the concerned stakeholders.

Source:timesofindia.indiatimes.com, July 20, 2009. “MSEDCL employees threaten to go on strike”

Employment rate increases by 8% in june

An overall increase of 8.1 percent was seen in hiring activity across the country in June. This increase was across sectors like banking and finance services, real estates, retail, telecom and IT as reported by Naukri.com from its hiring. This rise in hiring activity was observed in all the major cities of the country like Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Bangalore, Pune and Chandigarh.

Source:business.rediff.com, July 16, 2009. “Hiring up 8% in India in June”

PSU banks on hiring mode to fuel growth

In contrast with the lull in hiring activities in the financial sector across the globe, PSU banks in the country are on a recruitment overdrive to fuel their growth plans. The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), which supervises recruitment of nearly 100 public sector bank employees, is under huge workload. IBPS Director Balachandran M says that hiring activity in PSU banks has been very high throughout the year 2008-09.

Source:www.business-standard.com, July 15, 2009. “Public sector banks on recruitment overdrive”

Labour & Employment Dept. to create 15 million jobs by the end of 11^thplan

The number of unemployed engineers and diploma holders is increasing year by year since 2003 with the same being 2 lakh engineers and 1.32 lakh diploma holders in the year 2007. To provide them with jobs, minister of state for labour and employment, Harish Rawat said that 11th Plan aims to increase private sector employment and along with public sector ones while the organized sector is also likely to increase its jobs placement by 15 million.

Source:www.dnaindia.com, July 13, 2009. “Two lakh engineers unemployed; govt to create 15 million jobs”

ECS for Provident Fund settlement

Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (Mumbai) has introduced payments through electronic clearing system (ECS) in respect of provident fund settlement and withdrawal benefits. Provident fund members can now get their payment through any bank located in Mumbai. For this, a member is required to submit a blank cancelled cheque of the savings bank account through which he desires to receive his payment or should give relevant details of his savings bank account in a separate form prescribed for the purpose.

Source:www.hindu.com, July 2009. “EPFO introduces ECS for PF settlement, withdrawal”

Apprentices are out of ESI

Apprentices or trainees were already exempt from Employees Provident Fund Act, 1952. Adding to this recently Gujarat High Court has ruled in the case of ESIC vs. Arvind Mills Ltd. that ‘Apprentices’ who are appointed under the Apprentices Act, 1961 or engaged under certified Standing Orders stand excluded from purview of definition of 'Employee" under Sec. 2(9) of ESI Act, 1948. It was clarified that in order to exclude an Apprentice who is engaged under certified Standing Orders form coverage of ESI Act, employer needs to have specific category of Apprentice/Trainee approved under standing orders.

Source:http://www.chrmglobal.com/Replies/2976/1/Apprentices-are-out-of-ESI.html

TN Government to provide housing plots for industrial workers

Industrial workers in Tamil Nadu will soon get govt support for their housing needs by a special purpose vehicle under the State Industrial Promotion Corporation (SIPCOT). Until now, industrial estates by government have only focused on allocating lands for industries and not for housing benefits of employees. This project will be first started in Sriperumbudur in the next two-three months.

Source:www.thehindubusinessline.com, July 20, 2009. “Housing for industrial workers”

India-Korea treaty likely to benefit Indian professionals

The India Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement or CEPA is likely to benefit 163 professions covered under the contract service suppliers (CSS). Under CSS, Indian employees will be allowed to take work assignment in Korea. Also, Indian banks will be able to open their branches in South Korea. This will be possible after Commerce & Industry minister Anand Sharma signs the pact with South Korea on August 7.

Source:economictimes.indiatimes.com, July 19, 2009. “Professionals to benefit from India-Korea pact”

Maharashtra teachers’ stir continues on fourth day

The strike called by teachers in Maharashtra over implementation of Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations continued on its fourth day as talks between the government and teachers’ union failed to bear any fruit. The meeting between the parties is likely to resume on Saturday while a draft of demands has been prepared by MFUCTO which has sent it to the full fledged committee. After this, the federation of 10 unions will have final negotiations with the Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Rajesh Tope.

Source:www.hindustantimes.com, July 17, 2009. “Teachers strike enters 4th day in Maharashtra”

Layoffs minimal as salaries freeze

According to a survey conducted by HR consultancy Hewitt Associates, Indian companies have been positive enough towards salary reduction with just a 6 percent cut in the year 2009-10. Layoffs have been recorded at only around 5 percent. Among other companies surveyed in the financial services, IT & ITes sectors, only 16% have implemented a salary freeze.

Source:www.indianexpress.com, July 17, 2009. “Fewer pink slips, but salaries frozen”

Minimum wages raised in Orissa

Minister of State for Labour and Employment Puspendra Singh Deo declared revised minimum wages for 4 categories of workers in Orissa. Minimum wages for unskilled workers has been raised from 70 to 90, for semi-skilled from 80 to 103, for skilled from 90 to 116 and for highly skilled from 100 to 129. This revision of wages will benefit more than 1.25 crore workers iacrossn 83 schedules of employment.

Source:www.expressbuzz.com, July 16, 2009. “Minimum wage for workers revised”

Bank union calls for 2 day strike in August

United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a nation-wide strike on 6-7 August, which is likely to be joined by more than 10 lakh bank employees. This strike is in response to the breakdown of talks between the unions and Indian Banks’ Association. IBA has limited their offer of a 15% salary raise while UFBU is demanding for 17.5% salary hike.

Source:www.financialexpress.com, July 16, 2009. “Bank wage talks fail, unions call 2-day strike in August”

Maharashtra’s teachers protest for salary rise

On 14th July, schools and colleges in Maharashtra will remain closed due to a strike called by the Maharashtra Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisation (MFUCTO) and the Mumbai Region Junior College Teachers Union (MRJCTU). These unions want the state government to implement the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations. This will be a one day strike for schools and junior college teachers, but senior college teachers are on indefinite strike.

Source:www.indianexpress.com, July 14, 2009. “Teachers call strike for salary hike”

Indian Employees most concerned about job security: survey

In a survey conducted by research firm Boston Analytics, it has been found that even though the Indian economy is in the path of revival, the employment status is still critical. The survey found that around 52 percent employees feel that job security has declined against 48 percent in May. However, people are optimistic and believe that in the next 12 months unemployment ratio is likely to come down.

Source:: www.ibnlive.in.com, July 14, 2009.“Pink slip fears rise among Indians, survey shows”

Women CAs coming out of their shell

Women are breaking the glass ceiling in every field. But in chartered accountancy, ratio among male and female CA gap is large. So the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is trying to take steps to lessen this gap. Among total CAs in India, the percentage of girls has raised by 10 percent compared to last year. ICAI is also setting up a women steering group which will help women chartered accountants to manage their work-life balance.

Source:www.yahoo.com, July 10, 2009. “Women CAs get help to break gender barrier”

In 4 months, EPF account to be just a click away

The Employees Provident Fund portal will be up and running within 4 months, thus enabling account holders to check their PF account, said Union Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge. Also, the Labour Ministry is likely to launch an employment portal by the last quarter of this financial year, which will cover a database of around 40 million people. This will help job seekers to register themselves anywhere and approach any employment exchange.

Source:www.egovonline.net, July 9, 2009. “EPF to go online within 4 months”

First quarter of 2009 shows rise in employment rate

In spite of the global recession, the government says that employment rate has risen by 0.6 percent in some sectors in first quarter of the year. But sectors like leather, metals and transport has observed a decline, Minister of Labour & Employment Harish Rawat said at the Rajya Sabha. Eventually, state governments have been asked to work on proper implementation of labour laws.

Source:www.dnaindia.com, July 8, 2009. “Employment rate increases by 0.6 per cent in Jan-March”

Indian workers from UAE returning home due to economic slowdown

Overseas Indian Affair Minister Vayalar Ravi addressed in the Lok Sabha that around 50000 to 150000 workers from UAE have returned to India due to economic slowdown across the globe. However, in the US, the job loss ratio for Indians is low as most of them are professionals. Consequently, the government has posted counsellors to provide assistance to Indian workers in US and UAE embassies.

Source:www.indianexpress.com, July 8, 2009. “About 1.5 lakh Indians return from UAE”

Mobile technology making work-life balance easier for Indians

Mobile communication technologies have brought a revolutionary change in the lives Indian people. According to a survey by Kelly Global Workforce Index, 90% Indians feel that new mobile technologies have made their work-life balance easier. Due to this their productivity has increased and it has helped them balance their personal life as well.

Source:www.siliconindia.com, July 7, 2009. “90 percent Indians believe mobiles change work-life”

Home Ministry comes up with new recruitment framework for paramilitary forces

After discovering scams in recruitment of personnel in paramilitary forces, ministry of home affairs has come out with new methods for their recruitment. In the new hiring process, officers belonging to a state where hiring in being conducted will not be involved. New scientific methods of tests will be conducted with maximum use of technology. This will be done during the next five years as around 1.35 lakh persons will be recruited in the force by then.

Source:www.livemint.com, July 5, 2009. “Govt approves new recruitment policy for paramilitary forces”

Provident fund rate unchanged at 8.5 %

For the fifth consecutive year, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has decided to retain the provident fund interest rate at 8.5 percent. This decision was taken by the policy making body of EPFO headed by Labour Minister M Mallikarjun Kharge. In a time when all banks are bringing down their interest rate on deposits, this decision will bring happiness to 4.5 crore subscribers of EPF.

Source:www.business-standard.com, July 4, 2009. “EPFO retains 8.5% provident fund rate for 2009-10”

SHG women in Andhra Pradesh to get a pension of Rs. 500

AP state government will start registering nearly 1 crore SHG women under a unique pension scheme named Abhayahastham. In this, after the age of 60 and till death, SHG women will get Rs. 500 per month as pension for which they have to contribute Rs. 30 per month till from the age 18 to 59 and equal amount of which will be paid by government. They will also be covered under a Life insurance scheme. Abhayahastham scheme will help the women to lead a life with ease in their oldage.

Source:www.indianexpress.com, July 13, 2009. “SHG women to get pension in Andhra”

National Highways Authority of India to double its staff

With announcements from the new minister of road transport and highways Kamal Nath to make a quantum leap in improving the road infrastructure, the ministry of road transport and highways has decided to add more than double the number of existing officials. The government would spend Rs 1 lakh crore in developing 12,000 kilometres of highways across the country. It is already recruiting about 500 officers which include Chief General Manager, general managers and deputy general managers and the figure is expected to reach 900.

Source:The Economic Times, July 12, 2009. “NHAI to double its headcount, hire 500”

GUVNL likely to take strict action against employees threatening to strike

GEB Engineer’s Association (GEA) has threatened to go on indefinite strike from 27 July for implementation of Sixth Pay Commission against which the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. (GUVNL) is likely to take stern action under the Gujarat Essential Commodity Act 1972. The 2 major demands placed by the employees include restoring class 1 leave from 8 to 22 and for payment of arrears of overtime. GUVNL claims that GEA’s demands are unacceptable as they have already revised the salary from June 2009.

Source:www.indianexpress.com, July 11, 2009. “GUVNL shows the stick to staff threatening strike”

A surge in employment opportunities in Indian Railways

Latest reports from the Railway Ministry suggest vacancies of more than 1.7 lakh positions in the railway establishment. It is only after the Railway Recruitment Board is through with the review of the recruitment process that the news will be confirmed. As of now, most of the vacancies were in Group 'C' at 1,12,566, followed by Group 'D' at 58,329. There are 1,549 vacancies in A and B groups as well.

Source:DNA, July 11, 2009. “1.7 lakh vacancies in railways: Mamata”

Mumbai resident doctors given ‘work or leave’ ultimatum by government

At least 2993 resident doctors in Mumbai are on a strike since the last four days to claim better pay, medical insurance, and improved living conditions in hostels. The refusal to call off the strike has led to a 60% loss of medical services. Moreover, the 1996 'Residency Scheme' empowers the government to expel absentee students if they go on leave without permission as well as students going on strike.

Source:DNA, July 11, 2009. “Resume work or pack your bags”

Naukri survey: Employment scene shows optimism

The latest survey by job portal Naukri.com reveals new job additions in 2009 especially in the pharmaceutical, medical, construction, engineering and telecom sectors. Remarkably, across 900 recruiters surveyed, 44% respondents predict an addition of new jobs as against 38 per cent in the December survey. 37.5% recruiting companies expect replacement hiring, while just 13.4% anticipate a freeze in the activity and a marginal 4.6% respondents expect layoffs.

Source:The Financial Express, July 11, 2009. “44% employers predict new job additions in 2009: survey”

Salary rise for lecturers in Orissa

The Orissa government is considering raising the salary of lecturers under UGC pay scales as per Sixth Pay Commission recommendations. The Human Resource Development (HRD) and finance department have given their nod to the same. The state govt has also requested OPSC (Orissa Public Service Commission) to fill 922 posts of lecturers, 32 posts of principals and 9 posts of professors in colleges.

Source:www.expressbuzz.com, July 10, 2009. “Govt considering salary hike for lecturers”

Central Railways pays arrears to 70 sanitary workers

70 sanitary workers working in cleaning of railway station and tracks will get their dues of 41 days. As per the rule, they should be paid Rs. 199 per day, but were paid only Rs. 80. After this violation of law, under notice from assistant labour commissioner N Krishna Rao, railways had deposited a Rs. 2.61 lakh demand draft which will be used to pay the workers.

Source:www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com, July 10, 2009. “Central Railway pays sanitary workers' wage dues”

Employees likely to pay tax on ESOPs

While fringe benefit tax was withdrawn in the recent Union budget, the government has now laid the burden of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) on individual tax payers. ESOPs are given by the employers to high performers of the organization and are transferred to the employee in a phased manner in around six months to one year. But now, it has been kept under the Income Tax Act under the 30% tax bracket of tax payers.

Source:www.indianexpress.com, July 10, 2009. “Individuals may have to pay tax on ESOPs”

J&K MLAs not satisfied with salary and CDF

87 MLAs and 36 MLCs of the J&K assembly have come together in Srinagar to launch a silent campaign to introduce a resolution in Assembly for raise in salary and CDF (Constituency Development Fund). Each MLA and MLC gets Rs 35 lakhs as CDF every year and Rs 40000 as salary per month. But a general feeling of inadequacy persists regarding the money presently given for the development of any constituency. They are demanding that the CDF be raised to Rs 1 to 1.5 crore.

Source:www.risingkashmir.com, July 6, 2009. “MLAs launch campaign for hike in salary, CDF”

Rashtrapati Bhavan budget gets a 21% increase

FM Pranab Mukherjee has allocated Rs. 38 lakh for the salary and allowances of the President in the Union Budget of 2009-10. The amount allocated is Rs. 27.52 crore in comparison to last year’s 22.67 crore, registering a growth of 21%. This will include all establishment related expenses, household establishment expenses and expenses for purchase of vehicles.

Source:www.business-standard.com, July 6, 2009. “21% hike in Rashtrapati Bhavan Budget; Rs 38 lac for Prez salary”

Finance Minister focusing on skill development

FM Pranab Mukherjee has promised to create close to 12 million jobs this year in his announcement of the 2009-10 budget. For generate more employment, he feels it necessary to develop working skills in all individuals, thus laying stress on the National Skill Development Programme. In India, out of a labour force of around 400 million, only 2% have received any formal training for skill development.

Source:www.financialexpress.com, July 7, 2009. “Focus on skill development, employment”

Budget 2009 gives jawans a reason to celebrate

Budget has brought a reason to rejoice for Indian soldiers, with a hike in the pension scheme for JCOs and jawans. But the demand of one-rank, one-pension (OROP) is still on the backburner. The government has improved the pension of pre-January 1, 2006 pensioner below officer rank and has brought pre-October 10, 1997 pensioner on a par with post-October 10, 1997 pensioner. These two decisions will enhance the pension of over 12 lakh jawans.

Source:Times of India.July 7, 2009. “Faujis relieved of pension tension” Page no.13

NREGS allocation hiked by 144%

The Finance Minister has given a big thrust to UPA’s inclusive growth agenda by allocating 144% more funds for the NREGS (National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) compared to the year 2008-09. Minimum wages in NREGS-related work will be fixed at Rs. 100 per day throughout the country in 34 states and Union territories where NREGS is implemented.

Source:Times of India, July 7, 2009. “Rs 100 a day is no small change for rural folks” Page no.10

Tourism Ministry looking forward to train people for CWG

The 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi is likely to witness lakhs of tourists visiting the capital. In this regard, the tourism ministry is taking steps to train people, especially guest house staff, regarding etiquettes and hygiene. Also, as taxi is one of the important modes for transportation, taxi drivers are being trained to behave with courtesy with guests. Efforts are being made to train auto drivers as well.

Source:The Pioneer, July 6, 2009. "Hotel staff,auto & taxi drivers to get courtesy training ahead of CWG" Page no.5

Diamond industry bouncing back, but facing shortage of skilled workforce

The diamond industry in Surat is showing a sign of revival as demand is likely to bounce back for Diwali and Christmas. With that, it is also facing a shortage of around 25% of the workforce. To attract skilled workers, the industry is offering atleast 10% high salary than earlier. Many units had closed down and skilled workers had to find an alternative job due to the after-effects of the recession last year.

Source:The Economics Times, July 6, 2009. “Surat faces workforce shortage” Page no.12

Next year to bring a ray of hope for job aspirants

After a major increase in the number of unemployed in the past one year, a survey by Edelweiss Securities has projected that in the next 12 months, job prospects will improve. Various sectors were viewed under this survey which found that except IT all other sectors are likely to have improvement in hiring activities and will stabilize in the next three months.

Source:www.dailypioneer.com, July 6, 2009. “Hiring may improve in one year: Survey”

High-level government officials moving towards private sector

With changing times, today’s bureaucrats are hopping towards private sector jobs. They find that private sector has a lot more opportunities to develop and achieve high success. In government jobs, the opportunities for a good performer to rise rarely exist. And also, the hierarchal way of promotion is based on seniority and not on performance.

Source:www.economictimes.indiatimes.com, July 5, 2009. “Bureaucrats on the private road to success”

Junior doctors not satisfied with the rise in stipend

Medical students of government colleges in Chennai are continuing their strike on Sunday with their demand for a rise in stipend of house surgeons and post graduate students. The Health Minister had a talk with the representatives of striking students and made a proposal of raise in stipend which turned out to be a failure. According to students, the proposal was not fulfilling their demand, so they are continuing with their stir. This strike has caused a severe crisis at government hospitals.

Source:www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com, July 5, 2009. “No end to medicos strike despite hike in stipend”

Development programme for domestic workers in Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is planning to introduce a programme for skill development and fixation of minimum wages for domestic workers. This scheme is a joint initiative of the Centre, state government and ILO (International Labour Organisation). This will train 250 workers on pilot basis to enhance their employability and improving their service. ILO officials said that during the course of training they will get a card and bio data mentioning their skills.

Source:www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com, July 5, 2009. “Sheila wants minimum wages for domestic helps”

50000 ghost employees exist in MCD

A new biometric attendance process implemented by MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) brought out the swindle of 50000 non existing employees being paid salary every month. These employees only existed on paper. Many politicians, corporation members and former MCD standing committee chairman admitted existence of such scam. A CBI inquiry is likely to be ordered after July 15, which is the last day for employees to register themselves for biometric attendance.

Source:www.dnaindia.com, July 3, 2009. “Delhi civic body paid 50,000 non-existent staff”

Unemployment 2012: Plunging down to 5%

According to the Economic Survey, India is likely to see a rise in employment figures in the coming years. A fall of 5% approximately in the unemployment rate is expected by 2012. Moreover, by the end of Eleventh Five Year Plan (2001-12) the labour force in nation would be around 45 million as against 58 million employment opportunities. Many measures have already been taken up by the Indian government to help labour-intensive industries.

Source:www.financialexpress.com, July 3, 2009. “Unemployment rate to fall below 5% by 2012”

Ratio of working women in Asia on rise

A survey conducted by global marketing communications firm Grey Group on 33,000 people in 16 countries of Asia revealed that during this scenario of economic downfall, the number of working women in market has increased. Root cause behind this trend was these working women wanted to support their family economically. This brings a lot of pressure on them to carry out the responsibility of child care and juggle between their work life and family.

Source:www.financialexpress.com, July 2, 2009. “Crisis creates more working moms in Asia”

Mumbai junior doctors threaten of an indefinite strike

Around 4000 junior doctors in Mumbai providing their services in government as well as BMC hospitals have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from July 7. This strike is to be called off only if their demand for salary rise is fulfilled. The proposal for salary hike before the Director Education and Research (DMER) made by them before 4 months remains unattended as they claimed that their working condition and pay structure was poor than doctors of other state.

Source:www.dnaindia.com, July 2, 2009. “Junior doctors demand salary hike, threaten stir”

Hospitality sector turns optimistic on employment

Global staffing services firm Manpower conducted a survey reported a steady growth for employment in hospitality sector. 17% employers claimed that they are planning for hiring activities in July-September. This trend has emerged due to various factors such as improvement in economic conditions, stable government and Commonwealth Games of 2010.

Source:www.rediff.com/, July 1, 2009. “Hospitality sector to hire more in coming months”