September 2010 Edition 3 Monthly Newsletter of the Information Technology Department, Government of Tamil Nadu

TNeGACitizens Empowerment through IT

ZZ

The Business of Infotech

Labour & Employment Department of Tamil Nadu- Providing proactive support

by judicious use of technologies

September 2010 2 ZZ

Inside this issue

Editor’s Note 2

Labour Secretary’s message 3

Creating Opportunities 4

eNabling the employees 6

Organizing the Unorganized 9

eGov News 11

Page Page

Chennai

30/9/2010

ear Friends,

I hope you have found the last two editions of ECzITe exciting enough to open

these few pages on the massive transformation that the Department of

Labour & Employment is undergoing, thanks to the use of IT tools. The

Department has quietly, but surely taken those small steps to becoming an e-

Governed department in many senses of the phrase.

A virtual employment exchange under Project eMPOWER , that promises to

totally transform the way traditional Employment Exchanges functions,

enables and empowers not only job-seekers, but also job providers, bringing

both to a common web based platform www.tnvelaivaaippu.gov.in;all those

concerned with it, had to spend days together in the Data Centre, as it literally

took a “hit”, thanks to the visitors galore who thronged the site. A combined

effort of the fantastic e-Team from the Department led by the CoL himself, NIC

and ELCOT ensured that we could steer and steady the ship, as it where.

Project LEAD empowers the employees of the Labour Department in

transacting their work more efficiently. The computerization of the 16

welfare boards for the unorganized sector has enabled the department to

easily and efficiently identify beneficiaries, avoid duplication and ensure that

the benefits reach the intended.

This is one Department to look forward to in the sphere of e-Governance, for

the support we have received from the Secretary, Commissioners, officers and

staff etc are second to none. I am sure that Labour & Employment Department

will transform itself completely in tune with the changing times, leading to

better service delivery to the common wage earners.

Wishing each one of you many hours of pure joy in this season of the

Commonwealth Games, Delhi 2010!

D Ed

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No

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“ Labour is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of

labour, and could never have existed if labour had not first existed. Labour

is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration. “- Abraham Lincoln

Warm Regards,

Dr. Santhosh Babu, I.A.S.,

MD ELCOT & CEO TNeGA,

Government of Tamil Nadu

Dear Dr. Santhosh Babu,

Let me congratulate you for bringing out monthly news

letter ECzITe. The news letter has been covering all e-governance

initiatives intended to empower citizens through information

technology.

Project empower – the network of all employment

exchanges facilitating on-line registration and renewal in the state

has been launched by Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister on

15.09.2010. ELCOT has played a key role in the execution of this

project.

Besides ELCOT has been actively involving itself with all

the e-governance initiatives in the Department of Labour and

Employment inviting appreciation from all quarters.

With Best Wishes.

Dr. T. Prabhakara Rao, I.A.S

Principal Secretary to Government,

Labour & Employment Department

Tamil Nadu

September 2010 3

Lab

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Mess

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www.labour.tn.gov.in

All industries depend on human resource which often times data base of 65 Lakhs job seekers for prospective

is called the real asset that fuel any enterprise. To support employers, facilitates manpower planning and analysis

the thousands of workers spread across the state through effective implementation of Employment market

eGovernance plays a very vital role and acts as a bridge Information and promotes coordination between

between the government and the people. The Department manpower supply and demand by rendering assistance to

of Employment & Training is indeed pioneering many job seekers through Vocational guidance.

initiatives. In order to provide a transparent, efficient, quick and

Project eMPOWER is a great initiative as it redefines complaint free service, networking of the Employment

E m p l o y m e n t D e p a r t m e n t f u n c t i o n s , O ff ice s to th e TN SW A N in th e St at e h as b ee n un de rt aken.

where by all Employment Exchanges will be converted into The objectives are many. Primary among them are is to

virtual Employment Exchanges and 66 Lakhs Users will be allow online registration with Employment Offices, online

on-line. The financial outlay from Government for this up-dation, online renewal of Employment registration for

Project is Rs. 5.02 Crores. Project eMPOWER profiles job seekers.

registered with the Commissionerate of Employment were The portal www.tnvelaivaaippu.gov.in also aims to develop

migrated for the further use of renewal and making the data bank of highly qualified candidates from the Live

virtual employment exchanges function with high degree Register of Employment Offices. The best part is it will allow

of public interface.the private sector employers easy access to the data base to

fill up vacancies arising in their establishments.

The portal also provides online information on application The goal is to transform Employment Offices into Centres

deadlines, hot track and future trends in Employment. of Excellence for Empowerment of Youth, with that vision

Furthermore the side will also promote employability of statement the portal provides a range of services like online

students and Job seekers through Vocational Guidance.registration, renewal and updation for jobs seekers. Online

eMPOWER- A closer Look

Creating OpportunitiesEmpowering the unemployed - Project ‘eMPOWER’ has created a virtual

employment exchange that bridges the digital divide in a real sense

September 2010 4 ZZ

September 2010 5 ZZ

A Brand new Vision

Outlook

employment and unemployment market information.

Here the re-defined objectives areIT is called as an enabler, and it holds so true to the

employment exchanges. In sync with that, the new vision -To get closer to its users by widening the coverage.

of the Department is to convert the Employment Offices -To develop the basis for action by a pro-active approach.

into centers of excellence for Empowerment of youth. The

greatest advantage of the department is its presence in -To re-define its role from that of a provider to that of a every district apart from Special Employment Offices like:- facilitator.

-Professional and Executive Employment Office -To Network with other agencies to provide a spectrum of

services to the students and Job seekers.-Special Employment Office for Differently Abled

-To retain and motivate its Employees to transform this to a -Technical Personnel Office

sensitive and public organization.

-Coaching – Cum-Guidance Centre for SC & ST-To publish the information on the seniority of registration

This comprehensive coverage enables it to play a very pro- up to which the candidates have been sponsored against

active role to achieve the re-defined objectives of Private the vacancies in the Employment Office.

Sector Placements, Vocational Guidance, Employment

Market Information, and creation of Study Circles to

enhance the competitive skills of Job Seekers, special The employment exchange has taken big digital leap by service to the weaker sections of the society for promotion these new initiatives, going forward this will usher in a new of Self Employment. In one word, it acts as a one stop shop interface that is complete digital and online leading to the for all Employment related needs of Job Seekers and empowerment of the educated youth in the state who can Students. find better placement in accordance with their skills.

The National Employment Service is the only agency which

collects, compiles and reports on information on

ZZ

The portal was developed by ELCOT and EMERGYS software and was launched by

the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister on 15/9/2010.

September 2010 6 ZZ

Labour Department-Up Close

The objectives of labour legislations are mainly to ensure

the overall growth and development of workers who

contribute to the success of the industry. Labour

legislations attempt to improve the living and working

conditions of the workers, creation and maintenance of

healthy industrial relations, and protection of labour by

various welfare measures. This department handles both

Central and State labour legislations and they are largely

enforcement oriented.

Certain legislations like Employee's Compensation Act,

1923, Payment of Wages Act 1936 Minimum Wages Act

1948, Payment of Gratuity Act 1972, Payment of

subsistence Allowance Act 1981 provide for monetary

relief to the affected workmen through quasi-judicial

processes. The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 plays a major

role in maintaining cordial atmosphere between

Management and Workmen aiming for healthy industrial

relations.

The globalization of the Indian industry has made it

mandatory for Indian industries to achieve a level of

competitiveness which is essential to remain afloat in the

cesspool of currents and under-currents

sweeping the world of business today. In tune with the

industry dynamics Tamilnadu has created a peaceful and

cohesive labour environment that has led to peaceful

labour-Industry relations all these years. The Industrial

Disputes Act, 1947 is functioning effectively so as to take

cognizance of the strikes and lockout situation and act

immediately to bring down the situation to normalcy. As

such in Tamilnadu at present the conciliation officers are

appointed in each district to conciliate on the disputes and

12 Labour Courts and one Industrial Tribunal to adjudicate

on the disputes referred to them. Apart from this, Special

Industrial Tribunals are formed for special areas like Textiles

and Plantations whenever necessary.

In the past few decades, the economy has undergone a

sea-change brought about by globalization, world-wide

market liberalization and the advance and dissemination

of information technologies. The impact of globalization

has not only revealed the structural weakness inherent in

the economies and the fragility of the social fabric but in

the process, also accentuated a number of problems faced

by those involved in the maintenance of sound industrial

relations. The existing system of resolving industrial

disputes to get the wheels of the industry go

smoothly.

ICT allows governments to experiment with the ways of

organizing themselves and reaching the citizens. The e-

governance plan is meant to reach the most remote areas,

Project LEAD ( Labour e-Governance based

Administration)

eNabling EmployeesThe labour department plays a pivotal role in addressing a range of

labour issues and provides proactive support by judicious use of technologies

September 2010 7 ZZ

ensuring large-scale digitization of all the activities of the

Commissionerate of Labour. The Commissionerate of

Labour is now actively scouting for ideas to improve

governance. Such proactive steps are essential for the

departments to actively transform to IT governed

workings.

Under the leadership of Mr. Hans Raj Verma I.A.S., the

Commissioner of Labour, a team of officers were identified

to pursue the agenda which was tuned to believe that the

most work is transportable if the processes of the entire

department is focused, managed and calibrated properly.

The floodgate for e- governance through establishing basic

infrastructure, data migration, training, and power

backup, proper networking will bring the people and the

Government together.

The Commissioner of Labour has also been appointed as

the the nodal officers for e-governance of various related

departments like, Commissionerate of Labour, Tamilnadu

Construction Workers Welfare Board, Tamilnadu Manual

Workers and other Boards, Commissionerate of

Employment and Factories. Let’s look at some of the

leading initiatives.

The Commissionerate of Labour has launched its Website

http://www.labour.tn.gov.in on 27.05.2010. In terms of

connectivity, A Server host for the Website is presently with

Tamil Nadu Manual Workers Welfare Board and later on it

will be hosted in the Server of NIC. The State wide Area

Networks (TNSWAN) at 16 points in the Commissionerate

is already in place. LAN Connection has been given to 32

points.

Labour department sources say that Project LEAD-1 aims

for internal development and accelerating the external

ctivities of the Commissionerate of Labour. The entire

working force and all the industrialists will have access to

the IT system of the Department, through which they can

achieve their requirements effectively. In Project LEAD-2

nearly 40 lakh workers have registered with the 16 Un-

organized Welfare Boards, whose data has been migrated

into the system and 3 lakh members have been registered

through computers from 15.9.2009.

Any IT investment calls for a good deal of investment.

Keeping that in mind a total sum of, Rs. 75 lakhs was

allotted for e-Governance project for the Commissionerate

of Labour. Out oif this, Rs. 57.75 lakhs was allotted for

hardware purchase and Rs. 20.25 lakhs was allotted for

software purchase. Nearly Rs.5,01,44,222/- has been

spent by the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Welfare

Board towards e-governance in 16 Un-organised Welfare

Boards.

The best part is the department is also making its staff

computer literate. For instance nearly 113 specially trained

Computer Operators were selected for e-governance in un-

organised boards. The training given is on Suse Linux was

provided by ELCOT for one week from 8.3.2010 to

12.3.2010 to the Nodal Officers throughout the State.

Financial Outlay for Software and Hardware

September 2010 8 ZZ

Approxmately Rs.3,55,000/- has been spent for training

the Computer Operators.

Meanwhile for the hardware supply, the Government have

sanctioned Rs. 39 lakhs for 75 desktops through ELCOT

under Part-2 scheme during 2010-11. Rs. 2.54 Crores is to

be allotted for the Project "LEAD" in 2010 from the

TNCWWBd Funds. Moreover e-mail IDs for officials have

been created for all officers by NIC and put in use

For Software development The Application Software has

been created for the Commissionerate of Labour through

an ELCOT vendor. The following 5 modules have been

designed to cover all the functions of the Department such

as:

(i) HR Management

Employee data management, cadre strength, vacancy

positions, Service details, Leave management, Posting

transfers and promotion particulars, Disciplinary actions,

pensions, post-retirement benefits, on-line interface for

employees and with the Governmental authorities.

(ii) Budgeting and Accounting

Budget estimate, Revised estimates, Additional Budget

Allocation, Budget Monitoring, Expenditure Management,

Receipt Management.

(iii) Case Management

The cases under Industrial Disputes and Quasi-judicial

functions are to be governed from entry till complete

disposal of the case including public-interface and

monitoring of the status of their cases.

(iv) Enforcement Management

The Commissionerate of Labour is enforcing nearly 28

labour legislations in various industrial establishments in

the State. The IT initiatives that are developed for enforcing

include establishment data management, verification,

Calibration, Registration, Inspection and prosecution

performances including on-line issue of licenses,

Registration and Renewal certificates etc.,

(v) Section Management

All works regarding administration and control that are

now being managed physically by the staff are hereby

going to work through the IT application techniques,

wherein, they are under re-engineering for gearing up

themselves to the departmental aspirations.

Automation of basic processes will help the Department to

achieve a level of fineness by re-engineering its processes

and systems. It is getting finalised phase by phase, where

the size factor is huge and so also the finance factor. But it

is less significant when compared to the task of achieving

the e-governance in its real sense.

The above said modules should work in tandem to deliver

the real benefit to the people. Automation and IT play a

vital role, complementing each other, in fulfilling the goals

and desires set by the Commissionerate of Labour.

Together with the IT, it helps the department to enhance

and sustain its onward march towards growth. The various

impediments presently being faced by the department in

pursuing the IT initiatives cannot be viewed in isolation.

There is a growing synergy between different agencies

involved in its development. The Commissionerate of

Labour is definitely making rapid strides in achieving the

desired level of acceptance and performance.

The pragmatic approach of the Tamilnadu Government

towards industrial relations combining effectively, a need

for rapid industrial development of State with its abiding

concern for wellbeing of the work force has led to healthy

industrial climate in this State. The Conciliation Machinery

of the Labour Department is handling and settling a broad

spectrum of labour disputes ranging from alleged violation

of working hours to serious misconducts. This department

plays a vital role in evolving strategies on how best to

reconcile economic advancement with proper social

protection and industrial harmony. The principal partners

in industrial relations are facing critical confronting issues

against increasingly diverse practices in trying to adapt to

greater competition.

September 2010 9 ZZ

Tamilnadu Manual Workers Welfare Board was found and

formed in the year of 1999. Later on in the year 2000-01

nine boards were demerged. Tamilnadu Construction

Workers welfare board was found in the year of 1994, in

2004 – Amalgamation of all boards happened and in 2006-

around 13 of the boards were de-merged. In 2007 the

government formed the Domestic Workers Welfare Board

and in 2009 the Tamilnadu Power Loom Workers Welfare

Board, recently in 2010, the government formed the TN

Street Vending and Shops and Establishment Workers

Welfare Board

So managing all these boards and reaching out to the

workers is not an easy task and hence IT needs to be used to

manage the plural needs of laborers. Let’s her look at what

has been done. An Application software has been

developed in order to register more number of workers

which will in-turn increase more number of beneficiaries.

All benefits can be delivered with speedy assistance.

Duplications in registration are avoided.

All LO(SSS) Offices were computerized with effect from

15.09.2010 and also provided with 6 to 9 computers to

each office in all Districts. About 133 computer operators

were recruited to all 32 district LO(SSS) offices for

registration and claim processing through the applications

developed. All Officers and staff were given training in Linux

The IT adoption

operating system and also the application software

developed for registration, claims and various process at

the ELCOT. All LO(SSS) officers were provided with official

e-mail id for easy communication.

List of Modules Developed:

-Administration

-Accounts

-Human Resource

-Member Registration

-Claim Processing and Approval

-Pension

The Government has also facilitated the migration Of Old

Legacy Data provided Viewer Screen for migrated data.

Meanwhile the system also has an Interface with member

registration and migrated data to enter old data. Other

areas where IT has brought in change were ones like the

Web server provides web access to the application and

database can be accessed only through the application.

The LAN (Intranet) network has been installed at all 32

districts. The Web server was connected to World Wide

Web through BSNL Broad Band Connectivity. All 32 labour

offices are connected to web server through BSNL Broad

Band. Application software was designed to support all 16

Organizing the Unorganized With a range of initiatives is aimed at making unorganized

work force get their benefits

September 2010 10 ZZ

boards and all 32 districts of Tamilnadu are operational.

More than 40 lakh datas were migrated in to live database

and can be used for registration and claim processing also.

After the launch of software application more than 3 lakh

members have registered through the system. All claim

processing was also undertaken through the application

software for speedy assistance.

Right now there are 16 un-organised boards, some of the

initiatives that will simplify the working of boards with the

Going Forward

use of eGovernance are:

• Issue of preprinted registration cards

• Renewal of members through Electronic mode

• Claim disbursement through Electronic mode.

• Disbursement through Electronic Money Order

(Less than Rs 5000).

• Disbursement through Electronic Clearing System

(Rs 5000 and above).

• Monitoring of bank transaction and reconciliation

through e-mode.

Approximately 92% of the total work force is unorganized. There are 16

unorganized boards in Tamil Nadu

September 2010 11 ZZ

eGov News

Hon’ble Minister for Information

Technology launched an ERP for

E L C O T ( w w w. e l c o t . i n / e r p ) ,

Procurement portal for ELCOT

(www.elcot.in/procurement) and new

websites for ELCOT (www.elcot.in)

and TNeGA (www.tnega.in), on

September 7, 2010

Online application for Learning Licence was

launched by the Hon’ble Minister for

Transport, on September 16, 2010

Hon’ble Minister for Commercial taxes

and Hon’ble Minister for Information

Technology launched a web based

application for Commercial Taxes

Department, on September 28, 2010

The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister

inaugurating the portal

www.tnvelaivaaippu.gov.in

(Project eMPOWER), on 15th

September 2010

Not for sale, for private circulation only.

© MD,ELCOT

Secretary to Government,

Information Technology Department,

Government of Tamil Nadu

Secretariat,

Chennai 600 009. Tamil Nadu, India.

Tel: 91-44-2567 0783

E-mail: secyit@tn.nic.in

Chief Executive Officer,

Tamil Nadu eGovernance Agency,

490, Anna Salai, Nandanam,

Chennai 600 035, Tamil Nadu, India.

Tel: 91- 44 - 2433 6643

Fax: 91- 44 - 2433 7381

E-mail: ceotnega@tn.gov.in

www.tnega.in

Managing Director,

Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd.(ELCOT),

(A Government of Tamil Nadu undertaking)

692, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai 600 035,

Tamil Nadu, India.

Tel: 91-44-6551 2330, Fax: 91-44-2433 0612

E-mail: md@elcot.in

Visit us at: www.tn.gov.in; www.elcot.in

TNeGACitizens Empowerment through IT

For further details contact:

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister at the valedictory session of CONNECT 2010 at the Chennai Trade Centre,

Nandambakkam on September 9, 2010.