We in this country have not forgotten the famous case which preceded the 1926 act. Since then the Indian trade unions act is one of the least amended acts. All that it provided was that you collect a small fee from seven workers, fill in some forms and get unions registered. The result has been that during the last few years there has been tremendous growth in the number of trade unions. In U.P. for example, today there are more than 1100 trade unions registered under the Indian trade unions act. That figure exceeds by 300 the number of trade unions registered in the whole of the united kingdom which, as we all know, is a highly industrialised country. Sir, it is time that we took certain steps to strengthen trade unions, to see that we have industrial unions representing the entire force of workers employed in particular industries rather than have mushroom growth of unions which get registered this year and disapper next year. I, therefore, welcome this bill which lays down that every trade union will provide that the subscription by members of the unions shall not be less than fifty rupees per month per member. This, as has been said, is a part of the code conduct agreed to by all the trade unions. We have during the last few months heard a great deal of argument about the implementation of the tripartite agreement in respect of minimum wages. This provision of Rs 50 per month per member to be collected as membership subscription is also one of the conditions of the tripartite agreement and I am happy that the hon. Minister has brought this bill to honour the Tripartite agreement. Trade unions are supposed to provide certain services to their members. Trade unions are independent only when they do not depend on outside help.
