Faridabad, Feb. 10: Minister of State for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes on Monday said the Government is seriously contemplating comprehensive amendments in the Factories Act, 1948 that would require the concerned agencies to come together periodically and deliberate upon the matters of Occupational Safety and Health.

While inaugurating the Regional Labour Institute at Faridabad in Haryana, Fernandes said the National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) has been approved by the Government, and is in its final stage.

"I hope that the new policy will provide direction and impetus to the safety movement and enhance the status of safety in the country. The National OSH Policy along with the existing Environmental Policy would go a long way in improving the status of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment in the country," Fernandes said.

Fernandes also expresses his satisfaction over the fact that India's performance in ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions has been better than most of the member countries of ILO.

"Safety is neither a practice nor a concept, but a tool for recognizing the dignity and beauty of human existence and the issue of safety must be considered as basic, fundamental and inalienable right of the labour force which in no condition, can be bargained, negotiated or compromised," he noted.

A. C. Chaudhary, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Government of Haryana presided over the function.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary Labour and Employment, Sudha Pillai called upon the safety and health experts to devise mechanisms and approaches of self-regulation and compliance on the part of the managements.

Pillai also informed that comprehensive amendments to the Factories Act, 1948 have been proposed and are in the final stage of approval. (ANI)