The Lok Sabha today took up discussion on the Employee's Compensation (Amendment) Bill – 2016. The Bill seeks to amend the Employee's Compensation Act, 1923 which provides payment of compensation to employees and their dependents in the case of injury by industrial accidents, including occupational diseases. The amendment bill makes it obligatory for the employer to inform the employee of his rights to compensation, in writing as well as through electronic means.<br/><br/>Moving the bill for consideration and passage, Labour Minister Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said the bill provides for increase in penalty for contravention of the Act to 50 thousand rupees from the current five thousand rupees that may be later raised to one lakh rupees. He said it is also aimed at reducing litigation. Initiating the discussion on the bill, Suresh Kodikunnil of Congress said the compensation under it is not sufficient and demanded to increase it. He alleged that the bill is aimed at protecting the interests of the corporates. Supporting the Bill Dushyant Singh of BJP said the legislation will be a legal weapons in the hands of employees.