The Government of Maharashtra has issued a notification under the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1953, formally appointing the Deputy Secretary (Labour-10) to carry out the duties and powers of the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board until it is reconstituted.
🔹 Background:
- The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board was previously reconstituted on 25th February 2014 through a notification under Section 4(1) of the Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1953.
- However, the board was superseded on 31st May 2016.
- Since then, the Board has not been reconstituted.
🔹 Latest Government Decision:
In light of the continued absence of a formally reconstituted board, and to ensure uninterrupted administration of the Labour Welfare Fund, the government has exercised its powers under:
- Section 18(2) of the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1953
- Rule 10 of the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Fund Rules, 1953
The Deputy Secretary (Labour-10) is now officially authorized to:
- Administer the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Fund
- Exercise all powers and functions previously held by the Board
- Ensure continuity of operations and welfare-related initiatives until a new board is formed
🏛️ What is the Labour Welfare Fund?
The Labour Welfare Fund (LWF) is a statutory fund created to promote the well-being of workers, including both organized and unorganized sectors. It supports:
- Health, housing, and education initiatives for labourers
- Welfare activities such as recreational centers, scholarships, and medical facilities
- Promotion of social security and workplace standards
📌 Implications of the Appointment:
- Continuity: Prevents administrative vacuum in managing the welfare fund.
- Transparency: Ensures all welfare schemes and disbursements remain operational.
- Accountability: Gives clear responsibility to a designated officer until formal reconstitution.
📝 What’s Next?
While this is an interim measure, the notification implies that the State Government may soon begin the process to reconstitute the Labour Welfare Board, restoring a full-fledged governance structure to the fund.