By The Hindu Bureau

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Labour Minister Santosh S. Lad on Thursday directed representatives of labour unions, homestay and hotel associations, and other organisations to ensure that workers are paid minimum wages without fail and warned of strict action in case complaints are received.

Chairing a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here, the Minister emphasised the need to create awareness among workers about government schemes, including health insurance, and stressed safety measures in homestays and hotels, such as installation of CCTVs and compulsory collection of guest details.

On the issue of registration, licensing, and renewal of homestays in Kodagu, the Minister said discussions would be held with the Tourism, Urban Development, and Panchayat Raj Ministers. He suggested that associations appoint a PRO or a liaison officer to coordinate registration and renewal processes, adding that pending applications could be cleared during the quarterly KDP (Karnataka Development Programme) meetings.

MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda, who was present at the meeting, said that a delegation would soon meet Tourism and other Ministers after the conclusion of the Dasara festival. Tourism officials informed that nearly 230 applications are pending in the district.

During the meeting, labour union leaders drew attention to shortage of labour inspectors, continuation of the traditional bonded-labour system, and difficulties faced by plantation workers. Responding, the Minister assured that joint inspections involving Revenue, Labour, Police, Panchayat Raj, and other departments would be conducted if specific cases were reported.

The Minister said that payment of minimum wages is mandatory and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of unorganised workers.