The government is carrying out most of its works on contract basis. Before 2018, benefits like ESI and PF were not mandatory for contract workers. However, after March 2018, a law has made ESI and PF benefits compulsory for contract workers. As per the rule, all labourers who perform works on contract basis automatically come under the scheme.
However, the Tamil Nadu government is ignoring them. Even after a petition in this regard was filed in the Madras High Court by Udayakumar, this was not implemented. Following this, a contempt of court petition was filed, and the High Court, after hearing the plea, has directed the government to issue appropriate order within eight weeks and to submit details in the court.
A consultative meeting of petitioner and Public Works Department (PWD) officials was held on October 29, 2018 and the second round of meeting would take place on January 18, 2019.
