Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 27 (NPN): The Labour Department on Tuesday organised a district-level training programme on online registration and renewal of licences for shop owners, factory owners and other establishments at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Dimapur.
The programme was conducted following a circular issued by the Office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Dimapur, to familiarise stakeholders with the department’s online registration and renewal system. A similar programme was also held simultaneously in Chümoukedima.
Addressing the participants, Deputy Labour Commissioner, Kohima, Vikeheto Naki of the Factories and Boilers Wing highlighted the department’s efforts to simplify labour-related procedures under the government’s Ease of Doing Business initiative. He said the reforms were aimed at reducing procedural bottlenecks, improving compliance and fostering a healthy industrial environment through harmonious employer-employee relations.
Naki informed that while India had around 44 labour laws, Nagaland implemented 15 key labour legislations relevant to the state. He said services such as registration and renewal of shop and commercial establishments, factory licences and contract labour licences had been brought under the online platform to make the process faster, easier and more transparent.
He also highlighted recent reforms that had introduced lifetime validity for several registrations and licences, thereby reducing the need for repeated annual renewals.
Explaining the registration process, Naki said applicants could create user IDs and passwords using their mobile numbers before accessing the portal to apply for licences. He noted that shop and commercial establishment registrations may require employee appointment orders, while factory licence applications required layout plans and other safety-related documents.
On workers’ welfare, Naki elaborated on the role of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in providing medical and financial benefits to eligible workers and the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) in ensuring social security through provident fund and pension schemes.
He also spoke on child and adolescent labour, stating that employment of children below the age of 14 years was prohibited, except under provisions permitted by law. Adolescents between 14 and 18 years, he said, could only be engaged in non-hazardous occupations that did not endanger their health and safety.
Urging stakeholders to comply with labour regulations, Naki stressed the importance of safeguarding workers’ rights and welfare. He further informed participants about the labour helpline for grievance redressal and a mobile application designed to connect workers, including construction workers, plumbers and electricians, with prospective employers.
The programme was chaired by Deputy Labour Commissioner, Dimapur, Thungbemo Lotha, and attended by representatives from the district administration, including ADC Dimapur Diana Patton, business owners and members of the Petroleum Pump Union.