District Committees for Plastic Waste Management (Karnataka)
Context & Background:
- In view of rising PET (plastic) bottle waste, the Karnataka Government has taken a proactive step to enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
- A district-level committee has been formed to monitor the scientific disposal of plastic water bottles.
Key Provisions:
Formation of District Committees:
- Headed by the Deputy Commissioner (DC).
- Includes:
- CEO of Zilla Panchayat,Superintendent of Police,Pollution Control Board officers,Officers from the Food and Civil Supplies Department
Functions:
- Ensure proper disposal of PET bottles.
- Maintain data on production, use, and sale of plastic bottles in each district.
- Create public awareness on the harms of plastic waste.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
- Implemented based on 2016 Plastic Waste Management Rules.
Manufacturers of packaged drinking water are made responsible for collection and disposal of used plastic bottles.
Proposed Amendment to Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1961
Key Proposal:
- Increase daily working hours: From 9 hours to 10 hours.
- More overtime hours
- Aimed at legalizing current industry practices, especially in IT & ITES sectors.
Sectors Most Benefited:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES)
Supporters’ Arguments:
Karnataka Employers’ Association:
- Amendment supports “Ease of Doing Business.”
- Exempts establishments with <10 employees from document submission.
- Seen as a progressive reform, aligning with other states like:
- Andhra Pradesh,Haryana,Punjab,Uttarakhand
- Legitimizes existing industry practices.
Opposition & Concerns:
CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions)
AITUC (All India Trade Union Congress)
Karnataka Shops & Establishments Act● Leave: Carry forward up to 45 days (earlier 30). ● Working Hours: Max 9 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week; 10 hrs with overtime. ● Overtime Pay: 2x regular rate. ● Women Night Shifts: Allowed with safety & transport. ● Appointment Letters: Must be issued within 30 days. ● Registration: Mandatory for all businesses. ● Child Labor: Prohibited. |
