(a) the number of workers benefited from the various schemes being run by the Government for unorganised sector;
(b) whether the Government propose to impose special cess on the employers for the welfare of workers in unorganised sector; and
(c) if so, the benefits is likely to be accrued to the workers therefrom?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR (SHRI ASHOK PRADHAN)
(a): The Government have set up Welfare Funds to provide social security and welfare measures to certain categories of workers i.e. beedi workers, certain non-coal mine workers and cine workers under the Beedi Workers` Welfare Fund Act, 1976; the Iron Ore, Manganese Ore and Chrome Ore Mines Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1976 and the Cine Workers` Welfare Fund Act, 1981. These funds are used to provide various kinds of welfare measures to the workers such as health care, housing, educational assistance for children, drinking water supply, etc. During the year 2001-02, about 63.5 lakh patients were attended, 3.8 lakh scholarships awarded and sanction for construction of 8432 houses given under these Welfare Funds. The Government have also launched Krishi Shramik Samajik Suraksha Yojana -2001 in identified 50 districts to cover 10 lakh agricultural workers during the first phase of three years. About 1.01 lakh agricultural workers have been covered during the year 2001-02. In addition to this, Janshree Bima Yojana is in operation since 2000 to provide life insurance protection to the rural and urban poor persons including unorganised workers who are below and marginally above poverty line. Further, the Government is also implementing various welfare and employment oriented schemes and programmes through various Ministries/Departments. Some of such schemes are: Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana, National Social Assistance Programme, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana, Swarnjayanti Shahari Rojgar Yojana, Sampoorna Grameen Rojgar Yojana, etc.
(b): No, Sir.
(c): Does not arise.