(a) the number of job opportunities lost due to COVID-19 in the country, State/Sector-wise;
(b) the steps taken so far to ensure the welfare of poor employees;
(c) whether the Government has ensured the minimum wage, food or accommodation to the migrant employees; and
(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) to (d) : The global spread of the corona virus (COVID-19) followed by lockdowns has affected global economies including India. Government is taking several steps to ensure that the country is well prepared to face the challenges and threats posed by Covid-19. Aatmanirbhar Bharat which focuses on Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography and Demand to create jobs for the youth has also been launched.
Government of India has announced an economic package of Rs. 20 Lakh Crore and Hon’ble Prime Minister of India has advocated for Atamnirbhar Bharat, to reduce unemployment and to help in creating employment opportunities in the country.
Government has launched Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) for the poor to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.. Measures are intended at reaching out to the poorest of the poor, with food and money in hands, so that they do not face difficulties in buying essential supplies and meeting essential needs.
Under PMGKY, Government of India is contributing both 12% employers’ share and 12% employees share under Employees Provident Fund (EPF), totalling 24% for the wage month from March-August, 2020 for all the establishments having upto 100 employees with 90% of such employees earning less than Rs. 15000/-.
Statutory PF contribution of both employer and employee has been reduced to 10% each from existing 12% each for all establishments covered by EPFO for three months.
To boost employment and livelihood opportunities for migrant workers returning to villages, in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak, Government of India has launched Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan on 20th June 2020. The Abhiyaan focuses on durable rural infrastructure and providing modern facilities like internet in the villages. Skill Mapping of the rural migrant labour is being done to help them work closer home. The Abhiyaan involves intensified and focused implementation of 25 target driven works to provide employment and create infrastructure in the rural areas of 116 districts of 6 States with a resource envelope of Rs 50,000 crore.
Government of India has also launched PM SVANidhi Scheme to facilitate collateral free working capital loan upto Rs.10,000/- of one-year tenure, to approximately, 50 lakh street vendors, to resume their businesses.
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