(a)whether the Government contemplates to extend the welfare schemes for the workers and if so, the details thereof;
(b)whether the Government proposes to regularize the services of temporary/daily wage workers and if so, the details thereof;
(c)whether rules have been framed regarding the working hours of such workers also;
(d)if so, the details thereof; and
(e)the details of the mechanism established for the implementation and monitoring of the said schemes?
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a): The Government of India has set up a robust social security and welfare platform for workers both in organised and unorganised sector. While the workers in organised sector are comprehensively covered by the Employees Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 and the Employees State Insurance Act, 1948. The workers in unorganised sector are provided social security and other welfare benefits as enshrined in the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008, which provides for formulation of suitable welfare schemes for unorganised workers on matters relating to: (i) life and disability cover, (ii) health and maternity benefits, (iii) old age protection and (iv) any other benefit as may be determined by the Central Government.
Contd..2/-
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Life and disability cover is provided through Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) to the unorganised workers depending upon their eligibility. The premium contribution is equally shared between the Central and the State Governments on 50:50 basis. The health and maternity benefits are addressed through Ayushman Bharat scheme. For old age protection in the form of monthly pension, Government of India has recently launched Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM). Under the scheme, minimum assured monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- will be provided to the unorganised workers after attaining the age of 60 years. This scheme is based on the 50:50 basis where 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution by the Central Government.
(b): Regularization of services of temporary/daily wage workers are governed by the rules of the specific establishment in which they may be working/engaged. It also depends on terms and condition of employment and the Acts/Rules which apply to such labourers.
(c) to (e): The rules regarding working hours for temporary/daily wage workers and the monitoring mechanism in respect thereof vary from establishment to establishment in accordance with the nature of work, working conditions for such workers and the Acts or Rules by which they are governed.
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