The number of employed people in the country has gone up from 397 million in 1999-2000 to 459 million in 2004-05 and the 10th Plan envisages creation of around 50 million additional employment opportunities, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday.
During the five-year period beginning 2000, 12.4 million people were provided employment per year, Union Minister for Labour Oscar Fernandes said quoting a survey carried out by the National Sample Survey Organisation.
Replying to questions, he said the number of people employed stood at 459 million in 2004-05. The 10th Plan envisages creation of around 50 million employment opportunities -- 30 million through normal growth and 20 million through special employment
Therefore, on an average, 10 million employment opportunities are envisaged every year, he said.
To a question, Fernandes said the Centre has written to all states to enforce a ban on child labour, particularly those engaged in household jobs.
The National Child Labour Scheme is being implemented in 250 districts of 20 states in the country and another 21 districts have been taken up under an Indo-US Child Labour Project, he said.
Under the scheme, children withdrawn from work are provided education, nutrition, vocational training, stipend and health care.
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