Changes

relationship between employers and employees.

relationship between employers and employees.

1.  '''The right to

1.  '''The right to perform their duty''': Employers were required to discharge their obligations towards their employees and the employees were required to discharge their duty

perform their duty''': Employers were required to discharge their obligations

towards their employees and the employees were required to discharge their duty

towards the employers. This Dharmic ideal endeavoured to establish a duty-based

towards the employers. This Dharmic ideal endeavoured to establish a duty-based

society. Its postulate was not only the duty of the individual towards the

society. Its postulate was not only the duty of the individual towards the society but also the duty of the society towards the individuals through

society but also the duty of the society towards the individuals through

political and commercial and other organisations. The ancient thinkers of Bharat

political and commercial and other organisations. The ancient thinkers of Bharat

had clearly identified the mark of distinction in the approach to life in this

had clearly identified the mark of distinction in the approach to life in this

was never accepted in this land.  

was never accepted in this land.  

2.  

2.  Another distinctive feature was the rejection of the principle of "the greatest

good of the greatest number"''',''' according to which, in order to secure the good of a large number of persons, injustice could be caused to a small number of persons. The ideal laid down was,<blockquote>"sarve janah sukhino bhavantu"</blockquote>Meaning : Everyone should be happy.

distinctive feature was the rejection of the principle of "the greatest

 

good of the greatest number"''', according to which, in order to secure the

The rules of Dharma prescribed that the conduct of employers should be such as would secure justice and happiness to the employees and the conduct of the employees should be such as would not cause any hardship or

good of a large number of persons, injustice could be caused to a small number

of persons. The ideal laid down was, <blockquote>"

Sukhino Bhavantu"</blockquote><blockquote>"

''Everyone should be happy'' "</blockquote>The rules of Dharma prescribed that the conduct of employers

should be such as would secure justice and happiness to the employees and the

conduct of the employees should be such as would not cause any hardship or

injustice to the employers. Thus, the principle of class co-operation was

injustice to the employers. Thus, the principle of class co-operation was

adopted in preference to class conflict.All these rules which regulated the conduct of employers and

adopted in preference to class conflict.All these rules which regulated the conduct of employers and

employees flowed from the basic rules of "Dharma", the observance of

employees flowed from the basic rules of "Dharma", the observance of

which was regarded as essential for the sustenance and welfare of the

which was regarded as essential for the sustenance and welfare of the individual and the society. Basic rules of Dharma were declared in various works on Dharma Sastra and Smritis.

individual and the society. Basic rules of Dharma were declared in various works

on Dharma Sastra and Smritis.

 

== Nine basic aspects of Dharma ==

== Nine basic aspects of Dharma ==

The Shanti Parva (60- 7 -8) in Mahabharatha has indicated

The Shanti Parva (60- 7 -8) in Mahabharatha has indicated nine basic aspects of Dharma :<blockquote>अक्रोध: सत्यवचनं संविभाग: क्षमा तथा |</blockquote><blockquote>प्रजन: स्वेषु दारेषु शौचमद्रोह एव च ||</blockquote><blockquote>आर्जवं भृत्यभरणं नवैते सार्ववर्णिका: |</blockquote>

nine basic aspects of Dharma. <blockquote>"

# Akrodaha - "Being free from anger”,

'''vØks/k% lR;opua lafoHkkx% {kek rFkkA iztu% Los"kq'''

# Samvibhagas”sharing one's wealth with others,

nkjs"kq 'kkSpenzksg ,o pAA vktZoa Hk`R;Hkj.ka uoSrs lkoZof.kZdk%A"</blockquote>'''1.  

# Forgiveness, (Kshama)

Akrodaha- "Being

# Truthfulness,

free from anger”,'''

# Procreation of children from ones wife alone,

 

# shoucham- purity (in mind, though and deed),

# Not betraying the trust or confidence reposed,

Samvibhagas”sharing

# (Adrohaha- absence of enmity,

one's wealth with others,'''

# Maintaining the persons dependent on oneself'''. '''

 

forgiveness, (Kshama)'''

 

truthfulness,'''

 

procreation of

children from ones wife alone,'''

 

shoucham- purity

(in mind, though and deed),'''

 

 not betraying the trust or confidence reposed,'''

 

(Adrohaha- absence

of enmity,'''

 

maintaining the

persons dependent on oneself'''.  

These nine rules of Dharma to be followed by persons belonging to

These nine rules of Dharma to be followed by persons belonging to

== Akrodhaha ==

== Akrodhaha ==

means to be free from anger. On many occasions on account of anger, human beings commit atrocities on others, which might result in irreparable loss and injury, causing misery not only to the victims but also to the perpetrator of wrong acts. This

Akrodhaha means to be free from anger. On many occasions on account of anger, human beings commit atrocities on others, which might result in irreparable loss and injury, causing misery not only to the victims but also to the perpetrator of wrong acts. This general rule also regulated the relationship of employers and employees. There are many instances in which anger exhibited frequently without justification and disproportionate to the situation by the employers against the employees strain their relationship. The employees feel humiliated and as a result they are unwilling to do their work with devotion. This is also one of the causes of industrial unrest. This principle of Akrodhaha warns employers against uncontrolled anger and therefore requires that even when an employee commits mistake, the employer's anger should not cross reasonable limits. This guideline equally applies to employees.

general rule also regulated the relationship of employers and employees. There are many instances in which anger exhibited frequently without justification and disproportionate to the situation by the employers against the employees strain their relationship. The employees feel humiliated and as a result they are unwilling to do their work with devotion. This is also one of the causes of industrial unrest. This principle of Akrodhaha warns employers against uncontrolled anger and therefore requires that even when an employee commits mistake, the employer's anger should not cross reasonable limits. This guideline equally applies to employees.

== Kshama ==

== Kshama ==

Forgiveness:

Forgiveness: is also important. Being human, employees are bound to err, or even be guilty of misconduct. It is essential for the employer to excuse the employees for bonafide errors or mistakes and to impose only just punishment, when they have acted unjustly. The quantum of penalty must be in proportion to the gravity of the misconduct and should not be harsh. It is only in cases in which the misconduct is grave that the maximum or highest penalty is justified; only then should such penalty be imposed.

is also important. Being human, employees are bound to err, or even be guilty of misconduct. It is essential for the employer to excuse the employees for bonafide errors or mistakes and to impose only just punishment, when they have acted unjustly. The quantum of penalty must be in proportion to the gravity of the misconduct and should not be harsh. It is only in cases in which the misconduct is grave that the maximum or highest penalty is justified; only then should such penalty be imposed.

== Shoucham ==

== Shoucham ==

Not betraying the confidence or trust reposed in on self. This principle required that an employee should not betray the confidence or trust reposed in him by the employer. He should not indulge in theft, cheating or misappropriation, or go slow in working etc., and thereby cause loss or injury to the employer.

Not betraying the confidence or trust reposed in on self. This principle required that an employee should not betray the confidence or trust reposed in him by the employer. He should not indulge in theft, cheating or misappropriation, or go slow in working etc., and thereby cause loss or injury to the employer.

The above can be called five fundamental codes of conduct ('''Pancha Sheela''') the observance of which will do good both to the employers and to the employees and secure the happiness and the welfare of both.

The above can be called five fundamental codes of conduct ('''Pancha Sheela''') the observance of which will do good both to the employers and to the employees and secure the happiness and the welfare of both.

Based on the above basic rules of Dharma, there are certain verses in Sukraniti which are advisory in character which stress the importance of the payment of proper wages, courteous treatment of the employees, on the part of the management/master and honest and sincere service by the employees. They are:<blockquote>"

Based on the above basic rules of Dharma, there are certain verses in Sukraniti which are advisory in character which stress the importance of the payment of proper wages, courteous treatment of the employees, on the part of the management/master and honest and sincere service by the employees. They are:<blockquote>"ये भृत्या हीनभृतिका: शत्रवस्ते स्वयं कृता: |</blockquote><blockquote>परस्य साधकास्ते तु छिद्रकोशप्रजाहरा: || " (Sukraniti-Il 807-808)</blockquote>Meaning : Because of the payment of very low wages, employees of the king are likely to become his enemies and they are also likely to become plunderers of treasuries and cause hardship to the general public.<blockquote>"वाक्पारुष्यान्नयूनभृंत्या स्वामी प्रबळदण्डत: |</blockquote><blockquote>भृत्यं प्रशिक्षयेन्नित्यं शत्रुत्वं त्वपमानत: ||</blockquote><blockquote>भृतिदानेन सन्तुष्टा मानेन परिवर्धिता: |</blockquote><blockquote>सान्विता मृदुवाचा ये न त्यजन्त्यधिपं हि ते || " (Sukraniti-Il, 836-839)</blockquote>Meaning : Low wages, harsh treatment, insults, abuses and imposition of heavy fines or severe punishments are the causes of unrest among the employees. Satisfied with payment of adequate wages, promoted honourably, cheered up by gentle words and consoled in grief, the employees will never let down or desert their master.<blockquote>"भृत्यस्स एव सुश्श्र्लोको मापत्तौ स्वामिनं स्यदेत् |</blockquote><blockquote>स्वामी स एव विज्ञेयो भृत्यार्थे जीवितं त्यजेत् || "</blockquote>Meaning : He is an excellent employee who does not desert the master in difficulties. He is known to be an ideal master who makes sacrifices in the interest of his employees.

'''(Sukraniti-Il 807-808)'''"</blockquote><blockquote>"

'''<nowiki>;</nowiki>s Hk`R;k ghuHk`frdk% 'k=oLrs Lo;a Ñrk%A ijL; lk/kdkLrs rq fNnzdks'kiztkgjk%AA'''"</blockquote>Because of the payment of very low wages, employees of the king are likely to become his enemies and they are also likely to become plunderers of treasuries and cause hardship to the general public.

'''(Sukraniti-Il, 836-839)'''

These rules not only indicate that employees should serve the employer honestly and should not create problems for him but also give guidelines for the employers whether state or private, on how they should treat their employees.

Low wages, harsh treatment, insults, abuses and imposition of heavy fines or severe punishments are the causes of unrest among the employees. Satisfied with payment of adequate wages, promoted honourably, cheered up by gentle words and consoled in grief, the employees will never let down or desert their master.

(i) Proper wages should be paid to the employees;

'''Hk`R;Ll ,o lq'Üzyksdks ekiÙkkS Lokfeua L;nsrà Lokeh l ,o foKs;ks Hk`R;kFksZ thfora R;tsrÃA'''

(ii) The employer should not mete out harsh treatment to his employees, should not insult them and even when punishment has to be imposed, it should not be disproportionate to the gravity of the charges proved.

 

 

To illustrate, when an employee is bereaved or suffering from illness, if the employer or some one on his behalf were to go to the house of the employee and offer condolences and also provide some special financial assistance, he is sure to develop respect and a sense of gratitude towards the employer. Not only that, such a humane conduct on the part of the employer makes the employee happy. Their bonds of affection get strengthened. This is far more valuable than the money retained for himself by the employers denying reasonable wages to the employees. The human touch is so apparent in these rules.

To illustrate, when an employee is bereaved or suffering from illness, if the employer or some one on his behalf were to go to the house of the employee and offer condolences and also provide some special financial assistance, he is sure to develop respect and a sense of gratitude towards the employer. Not only that, such a humane conduct on the part of the employer makes the employee happy. Their bonds of affection get strengthened. This is far more valuable than the money retained for himself by the employers denying reasonable wages to the employees. The human touch is so apparent in these rules.

There are two important verses in "Sukraniti" which also throw considerable light on the just and fair treatment required to be given to the employees. They are:

There are two important verses in "Sukraniti" which also throw considerable light on the just and fair treatment required to be given to the employees.  

 

They are:

2. Preference for the appointment of a deceased employee's son:

'''(Sukraniti-II, 832-833)'''

1. Extra Annual Payment: <blockquote>"अष्टमांशं परितोष्यं दद्याद्भृत्याय वत्सरे |</blockquote><blockquote>कार्याष्टमांशं वा दद्यातं कार्यं द्रागधिकं कृतम् || " (Sukraniti-II-830-831)</blockquote>Meaning : Every employee should be granted one eighth of his salary as a reward (bonus) annually. If an employee does his work efficiently, he should be granted an extra remuneration equal to one eighth of the piece rate earnings in recognition of his efficiency.

'''Lokfedk;sZ fou"Vks ;LrRiq=srn Hk`frZ ogsrà ;ko}kyks·U;Fkk iq=xq.kku n`"Vk Hk`fra ogsrÃA'''

2. Preference for the appointment of a deceased employee's son:<blockquote>"स्वामीकार्ये विनष्टो यस्तत्पुत्रेतद् भृर्ति वहेत् |</blockquote><blockquote>यावद्वालोऽन्यथा पुत्रगुणान् दृष्टा भृतिं वहेत् || " (Sukraniti-II, 832-833)</blockquote>Meaning : If any employee dies before retirement, his son becomes automatically entitled to get the employment of his deceased father. After attaining majority his wages should be determined according to his qualifications.

The various provisions on the topic of 'Dharma' regulating the relationship between master and servant and determining their respective duties and rights are remarkable for the humane and pragmatic approach made to the problems of the working class. The advisory passages set out in the opening part of this chapter enjoin the employees to be ;honest and sincere in their service and loyal to their masters. At the same time, they require the masters to pay proper wages, give promotions and other service benefits to the employees. In particular they ask the employers to treat the employees with respect and sympathy. These rules are not only indicative of the

The various provisions on the topic of 'Dharma' regulating the relationship between master and servant and determining their respective duties and rights are remarkable for the humane and pragmatic approach made to the problems of the working class. The advisory passages set out in the opening part of this chapter enjoin the employees to be ;honest and sincere in their service and loyal to their masters. At the same time, they require the masters to pay proper wages, give promotions and other service benefits to the employees. In particular they ask the employers to treat the employees with respect and sympathy. These rules are not only indicative of the

importance given to the dignity of individual but also inconformity with the philosophical foundation of the land that all should be happy "'''Sarve Janaha Sukhino Bhavantu'''". Further, the directive to treat everyone as one's ownself ('''Atmavat Sarvabhutanam''') goes to show that the ancient Bharatiya thinkers were fully alive to the necessity of a cordial relationship between the employers and employees, as that alone could ensure proper running of any trade, business or industry which in turn was in the interest would adversely affect the industries, trade or business.

importance given to the dignity of individual but also inconformity with the philosophical foundation of the land that all should be happy "'''Sarve Janaha Sukhino Bhavantu'''". Further, the directive to treat everyone as one's ownself ('''Atmavat Sarvabhutanam''') goes to show that the ancient Bharatiya thinkers were fully alive to the necessity of a cordial relationship between the employers and employees, as that alone could ensure proper running of any trade, business or industry which in turn was in the interest would adversely affect the industries, trade or business.

== Dharma for domestic servants ==

== Dharma for domestic servants ==

There has been a provision concerning domestic servants, which indicates that employer should ensure humane treatment to the employees.

There has been a provision concerning domestic servants, which indicates that employer should ensure humane treatment to the employees.<blockquote>"ये नित्या भात्किकास्तेषामनुपरोधेन संविभागो विहित: |</blockquote><blockquote>काममात्मानं भार्यां पुत्रं कोपरुन्ध्यान्न त्वेव दासकर्मकरम् || "</blockquote>Meaning : While distributing food to all the guests, if there is any shortage of food, the householder may stint (reduce the share to) himself, his wife and children, but by no means the food due to should be reduced. (Apastamba Smriti - Vide Dharma Kosha -P-816)

 

'''<nowiki>;</nowiki>s fuR;k HkkfRddkLrs"kkeuqijks/ksu lafoHkkxks fofgr%A dkeekRekua Hkk;k± iq=a dksi#U/;kTMk Roso nkldeZdjeÃA'''

The directive of the verse is that an employer should never make his domestic employee to starve even if it meant shortage of food to himself. The verse exhibits the requirement of being kind to employees. It is obvious that this directive was regarded as essential, for the reason that if there is shortage of food for the owner and/or his wife, they would certainly prepare food and satisfy their hunger. But the employee ;would be helpless. Therefore, the rule provided that food should be reserved for the employee, thereby recognize the human right for food. This rule read with other rules which required payment of fair wages and courteous treatment, are illustrative of the respect for human right and constituted the basic principles, for the guidance of employers, in order to ensure just and fair treatment to the employees.

The directive of the verse is that an employer should never make his domestic employee to starve even if it meant shortage of food to himself. The verse exhibits the requirement of being kind to employees. It is obvious that this directive was regarded as essential, for the reason that if there is shortage of food for the owner and/or his wife, they would certainly prepare food and satisfy their hunger. But the employee ;would be helpless. Therefore, the rule provided that food should be reserved for the employee, thereby recognise the human right for food.

This rule read with other rules which required payment of fair wages and courteous treatment, are illustrative of the respect for human right and constituted the basic principles, for the guidance of employers, in order to ensure just and fair treatment to the employees.

== References ==

== References ==

# M. RAMA JOIS, DHARMA - The Global Ethic, Published by "Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan”

# M. RAMA JOIS, DHARMA - The Global Ethic, Published by "Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan”