BENGALURU:The state government has presented a Ugadi gift for lakhs of workers employed in private manufacturing industries and commercial establishments. On Friday, the Cabinet approved the proposal to raise retirement age of workers in the private sector from 58 years to 60 years.
The state government will amend the Karnataka Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) (Amendment Rules, 2009) to increase the retirement age.
The decision has huge political implications too as it is set to benefit about 21 lakh employees. With the state assembly election just a year away, the ruling Congress government intends to bring the amendment without any delay as it reaches out to various segments of the society.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had made this proposal in the State budget for 2017-18, leaving the heads of private shops and establishments and factories worried as they were hoping for more easing of labour regulations.
There are about 7 lakh workers employed in 6,950 shops and commercial establishments in the state and 14 lakh in the 4,032 manufacturing industries.