BJP member embarrasses government in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, April 10 (IANS) A BJP Lok Sabha member on Monday created an embarrassing situation for the government by questioning a Union Minister’s response and seeking proof of his claims.

Hari Narayan Rajbhar, the Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Ghosi, sought to know from Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya, during Question Hour, about steps being taken for financial security of the retrenched workers of his area.

Responding to his query, Dattatreya informed him about closed factories in last three years.

“As far as the central sphere is concerned, in 2016-17, 13 units were closed and 2,068 workers were affected.

“Regarding the cotton mills in Uttar Pradesh also, I have made it very clear in my answer that the workers, who are affected because of retrenchment, will avail benefits under the ID Act, and they will get 50 per cent of their last month’s wages,” he said.

He also said that there is the Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana by ESIC under which the workers, after retrenchment, will be provided 50 per cent of their last month’s wages.

“Suppose a worker was getting Rs 8,000, after retrenchment, he will get Rs 4,000 as wage in the first year; in the second year, he will get 25 per cent of his last month’s wage,” Dattatreya said.

Not satisfied or convinced by the answer, Rajbhar said: “Whatever the minister is saying is far from reality. I urge him to provide proof for this.”

The treasury benches members were taken aback by member’s query, while some of the Congress members were seen thumping their desks.