Question : Extension of ESIC and EPFO Benefits

(a)whether Anganwadi, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and midday meal scheme workers are demanding for long to provide the benefit of ESIC and EPFO schemes and if so, the details thereof;
(b)whether the Government has formed a Committee in this regard and if so, the details thereof;
(c)whether the Government proposes to extend benefits under ESIC and EPFO to the Anganwadi, ASHA and mid-day meal scheme workers in the country;
(d)if so, the number of persons likely to be benefited and the time by which it is likely to be implemented, State/UT-wise; and
(e)the further steps taken/being taken by the Government to include the unorganized sector in ESIC and EPFO schemes?

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

(a) to (d): The Ministry has constituted an inter-ministerial Committee under the chairpersonship of Secretary (Labour & Employment) to examine the issue of giving social security benefits to the unorganized sector e.g. Anganwadi, Mid-day meal and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) workers. The other members of this Committee include representatives from Ministries of Women & Child Development, Human Resource Development, Finance and Health & Family Welfare.

(e): In addition to above, the ESIC has also launched two pilot schemes for auto-rickshaw drivers in Delhi and for domestic workers in Delhi and Hyderabad.
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