Question : SCHEMES UNDER UWSSA

(a) the salient features of the schemes envisaged under the `Unorganised Workers Social Security Act, 2008` (UWSSA) for the welfare of the workers employed in unorganised sector;

(b) whether the beneficiaries of the said schemes have increased during each of the last three years and the current year and if so, the details thereof along with the present number of beneficiaries of the said schemes, scheme-wise and State/UT-wise;

(c)whether the cases of malpractices/irregularities/ corruption under the said schemes have come to the notice of the Government during the said period and if so, the details thereof, scheme-wise and State/ UT-wise; and

(d) the corrective steps taken by the Government for the effectiveimplementation of the said schemes and to keep check on malpractices, irregularities therein?

MINISTER OF STATE(IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a): In order to provide social security to the workers in the unorganized sector, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has enacted the Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008. The Act came into force w.e.f 16.5.2009, when the central Rules under the Act were framed. The salient features of the Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 are:
1. Formulation of schemes by the Central Government for different sections of unorganised workers on matters relating to (a) life and disability cover; (b) health and maternity benefits; (c) old age protection (d) any other benefit as may be determined by the Central Government.
2. Formulation of schemes relating to provident fund, employment injury benefits, housing, educational schemes for children, skill upgradation, funeral assistance and old age homes by the State Governments.
3. Funding of the schemes to be specified in the scheme itself.
4. Constitution of National Social Security Board under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Labour & Employment, Member Secretary and 34 nominated members representing Members of Parliament, unorganised workers, employers of unorganised workers, civil society, Central Ministries and State Governments.
5. Adequate representation to persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, the Minorities and Women.
6. The functions of National Board, inter-alia, include: to recommend to the Central Government suitable schemes for different sections of unorganised workers; monitor the implementation of schemes and advise the Central Government on matters arising out of the administration of the Act.
7. Section 6 has provision for constitution of similar Boards at the State level.
8. Identification and Registration of Workers at the District level and issuance of Smart Cards to them.

(b): The following schemes are listed under Scheduled-I of the UWSSA, 2005:
1. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme,

(Ministry of Rural Development).
2. National Family Benefit Scheme, (Ministry of Rural Development).
3. Janani Suraksha Yojana, (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare).
4. Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme, (Ministry of Textiles).
5. Handicraft Artisans’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme, (Ministry of Textiles).
6. Pension to Master Craft Persons, (Ministry of Textiles).
7. National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen and Training and Extension, (Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries).
8. Janshree Bima Yojana and Aam Admi Bima Yojana, (Department of Financial Services).
9. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, (Ministry of Labour and Employment).
The details of beneficiaries are at annexure I.

(c) & (d): The details of malpractices and the corrective measures taken by the Government as at Annexure II.