The Hindu : National : Social security law for unorganised sector workers being finalised

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 16, 2005

National

National

Social security law for unorganised sector workers being finalised

Aarti Dhar

Ministry to begin consultations soon; 30 crore workers will benefit

NEW DELHI: : The Union Labour and Employment Ministry will soon initiate consultations with the National Commission on Enterprises for the Unorganised Sector to finalise the draft of the social security legislation, approved by the National Advisory Council (NAC) last month.

The NAC, chaired by Sonia Gandhi, has written to the Government suggesting that the approved draft be posted on the Ministry's web site to facilitate discussion and debate.

"After taking on board the responses from the public and the suggestions of the NAC and the Commission, the Ministry could prepare a final draft within a give time frame," the communication said.

According to Jairam Ramesh, NAC member, the draft is likely to be introduced in the winter session of Parliament.

The draft bill seeks to provide a social security system for 30-crore workers, and re-defines workers to bring self-employed, casual, contract and home-based workers under its purview.

The proposed legislation offers health insurance, maternity benefit, old-age benefit, an integrated insurance scheme and schemes for conservation of natural resources on which workers depend.

The bill empowers the Government to levy a cess or appropriate tax, or create a mechanism for collection of the contribution from individual employers (or contractors).

Facilitation centres

It is to be implemented through worker facilitation centres in every village and mohalla. Workers will have to register themselves for receiving the social security number on payment of a nominal sum. On registration, they will be entitled to the floor-level scheme directly funded by the Centre.

The centres will be managed and run by a network of agencies— reputed governmental or non-governmental organisations which work directly with the unorganised sector such as cooperative societies, self-help groups, trade unions, welfare boards and even panchayats.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National