Page 19 - NIS English October 1-15

UNORGANISED WORKERS TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY COVER

istorical steps taken
Hby the Government
are bringing the entire
unorganised sector under
the social security cover. The
demand for Social Security
Code was raised in 2011-12.
After the implementation
of GST, there were series
brainstorming sessions
resulting in its speedy
implementation. Earlier, it
was believed that such a Even the poorest among the class which is unable to pay
reform is not possible. The poor will not be deprived of to avail convenience of health
GST made the way easier for these basic rights. Currently, and pension. As per the
the possibility of getting nod there are different schemes Social Economic Census, the
from the State Governments. by the Centre and State third category is 23 per cent,
The Government is reaching Governments and the plan is and the Government will bear
out to the last man in the to merge all these schemes. their cost. The cost accrued
queue. This social security There will be three categories on PF and ESI will be under
code, in the layman’s of citizens in these codes: this expenditure. The process
language will ensure that First- the Upper class who of withdrawal of the PF will
now from a big industrialist can take care of themselves, remain unchanged. Once
to a rag picker, everyone will Second - Employees who the structure is ready, a
have the same social security get this facility from the National Board will be
cover of pension and health. employer. And third - the poor constituted.

The Prime Minister believes that in building the nation, labourers, farmers
and workers have a crucial role to play. If a worker remains unhappy, the

country cannot be in a happy state

towards labour reforms have been clear in its in many court battles, the workers had to suffer a
first term itself. The Prime Minister constituted lot as they were unable to hire expensive lawyers.
a committee under the leadership of the then These four codes are historical steps towards
Union Finance Minister to carry out labour taking India to new heights and eventually will
reforms with a holistic approach. His concern revolutionize the people’s thinking towards
was whether the current labour laws were truly workers. Thus, taking cue from the welfare of
benefiting or creating a hindrance in executing all, the Government is working towards a secure,
the welfare measures. The objective behind the healthy and a dignified lifestyle for about 50
Government initiative was that it was observed Crore workers of the country.

New India Samachar 17