(a)whether the Government has taken any steps for improving the working condition and the quality of life of workers in the unorganized sector;
(b)if so, the details thereof; and
(c)the details of schemes/projects launched for providing social security and other welfare measures for workers; and
(d)whether the Government has taken any steps for proper implementation of enforcement of labour laws; and
(e)if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)
(a) to (c): The Government has taken several steps to improve the working condition and quality of life for workers in the unorganised sector. The Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 mandates the government to formulate 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. The Life and disability cover is provided through Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Surksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). The health and maternity benefits are provided through Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) which is a
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universal health scheme. Old age protection is provided to the unorganised sector workers through Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM) pension scheme.
To improve the working conditions, the Government of India has declared the National Policy on Safety, Health and Environment at Workplace (NPSHEW) which aims to establish a preventive safety and health culture in the country through elimination of the incidence of work related injuries, diseases, fatalities, disasters and to enhance the well-being of employees in all the sectors of economic activity in the country.
(d) & (e): The Government has notified four Labour Codes, namely the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relation Code 2020; the Code on Social Security 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020 after simplification, amalgamation and rationalization of 29 Central labour Laws. The Labour Codes will inter alia strengthen the protection available to workers, including unorganised workers, in terms of statutory minimum wage, social security protection and healthcare of workers.
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