The Hindu Business Line : Unorganised sector labour Bill likely in monsoon session

New Delhi, July 18 The Ministry of Labour is planning to table the much-awaited Unorganised Sector Workers Social Security Bill in Parliament during the ensuing monsoon session, the Labour Minister, Mr Oscar Fernandes, told the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Labour here.

The Bill proposes to set up tripartite Social Security Advisory Boards at the national and State levels for agricultural and non-agricultural workers in the unorganised sector.

The proposed legislation would provide the structure for formulation and notification of suitable welfare schemes for different sections of unorganised sector workers both by the Central and State Governments. These schemes would pertain to life and disability cover, health insurance and maternity benefits and old age protection, the Minister informed the members of the consultative committee.

Mr Fernandes said following a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister earlier, the Committee of Secretaries chaired by the Cabinet Secretary was directed to verify the numbers, estimate possible contribution of the Government, list out various issues relating to modalities of implementation and collate and evaluate various State-level initiatives.

After the whole exercise was completed, the draft bill has been prepared in consultation with all stakeholders.

Education scheme

Referring to various welfare schemes for beedi workers, the Minister said that under the education scheme Rs 78 crore has been provided in the current year’s Budget to meet the increasing demand for scholarships to wards of beedi workers. He said that during last year, scholarships amounting to Rs 40 crore were disbursed to 4.7 lakh students.

He also pointed out to members that the housing scheme has been revised and would now be implemented through Welfare Commissioners of Labour Welfare Organisation. Under the revised scheme, workers’ contribution would be taken only after administrative approval and not at the time of submission of application, as was the practice earlier, he said.

The members who attended the meeting include Mr Gurudas Dasgupta, Mr Rajendaran, Mr Bapu Hari Chaure, Mr Dawa Narbula and Mr Ashok Pradhan.

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