📘 Q.14 IAS Prelims 2022 — Economics (Labour Statistics & Industrial Relations)
🧷 Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk
📌 In India, which one of the following compiles information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments and lay-offs in factories employing workers?
(a) Central Statistics Office
(b) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
(c) Labour Bureau
(d) National Technical Manpower Information System
✅ Correct Answer: (c)
🧠 Classroom Explanation
- Labour Bureau, established in 1920, functions under the Ministry of Labour and Employment and is the nodal agency for labour statistics in India.
- It is responsible for the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of labour-related data at both All-India and State levels.
- The Labour Bureau publishes the annual report titled:
“Industrial Disputes, Closures, Retrenchments and Lay-Offs in Industries in India.” - This publication provides data on:
- Industrial disputes
- Work stoppages
- Closures
- Retrenchments
- Lay-offs and lockouts
- The data is extensively used by:
- Policymakers
- Labour administrators
- Industry planners
- Researchers
Hence, Labour Bureau is the correct authority.
🔍 Curiosity Raiser
Why are industrial dispute statistics considered an early warning signal for economic stress and labour market instability?
🧘 IAS Monk Whisper
When labour unrest rises,
the economy whispers before it screams.
