Dear All,
I fully agree with my senior colleague Sh korgaonkar that the bar to deal with the disciplinary cases against a worker or appear before a conciliation office or in a Court or Tribunal on behalf of the Factory management is restricted for the Welfare officers,who is appointed under a statue. As such the Welfare officers, who are appointed under the Mines Act,1952 or the Factories Act,1948 have been restrained to deal with the disciplinary cases. There is no restriction otherwise.He is right that the Role & Duties of each of HR Head & Welfare Officer are quite different.In my opinion, one mainly works for and in favour of the Management whereas the other works in favour of the workers primarily for their welfare within parameters of the rules and in consultation with the management. As such it will not be fair to amalgamate the duties of Welfare Officer as well as HR Head.
In regards to the mail posted by Sh AK Jain, I agree that duties of Welfare Officer are defined in Mines Rules,1956 but would like to add that Section 49 (1) of the Factories Act,1948 provides that wherein 500 or more workers are employed, the occupier shall employ such no. of welfare officers as may be prescribed. Section 49 (2) of the Act empowered the State Govts to prescribed the duties, qualification and condition of service of such officers.In accordance with the same almost all the state Govts have framed their rules. For instance the State of Punjab has framed "The Punjab Welfare Officers Recruitment and Condition of Service Rules ,1952'" vide their notification no. 206 I-LP-52/1204 dated 26th March,1952. I am sorry to disagree with Sh Jain on the suggestion that one should accept the opportunity of handling both the responsibilities and prove the excellence.In practical situations, it is always very difficult to maintained the balance particulars organisation where there is existence of a strong union.
I remember an incident where an official was holding additional charge of Admin Officer for a week or so. One of his staff has applied for co's accommodation, which was recommended by him but was later rejected the same as Admin Officer.His explanation was that as a Deptt head, he has to see the welfare of his staff but as an Admin officer, he has to show that he is neutral and not favoring his staff.
BS Kalsi
Member since Aug 2011