The Labour Ministry of the Maharashtra Government has formed a joint select committee of various political parties headed by the State Labour Minister to review the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions & Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act (MRTU & PULP Act) 1999.
According to industry sources, the MRTU and PULP Act, enacted by the former Shiv Sena government when it was in power in the state, was one among the major reasons for many units shifting base out of the state, as the Act had brought medical representatives (MR) under 'Employees (Workmen) under the State Act. It conferred upon medical representatives all the benefits meant for factory workers and at the same time made it possible for them to remain unaccountable, alleged industry sources.
The Indian Drugs Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) in a joint representation to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilas Rao Deshmukh noted that the above Act has become a major barrier for pharmaceutical investment and growth in Maharashtra, which at one time was pharmaceutical capital of India. The Act has resulted in plethora of litigation in labour courts and even normal transfers, disciplinary proceedings, innovative practices etc., which are being resisted by the labour unions. The investment, therefore, has moved from Maharashtra to other industry friendly states like Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh etc. The associations had made several representations to the State Government and the Union Labour Ministry to repeal the Act, but were not considered so far.
The representation said medical representatives form backbone of the pharma industry as they do scientific dealings to doctors. They are Science graduates and usually undergo special training in scientific and selling skills to detail medicines to the medical profession and to communicate efficacy and safety of the drug. They have excellent career opportunities and many of them get opportunity to head sales and marketing function. There are several examples where they have risen to the post of Managing Director. MRs are capable of taking care of their own career/interest through their performance rather than depending on legislative or government intervention and protection, said the representation.