Unorganised Sector Labour Bill Expected In Monsoon Session

The Ministry of Labour intends to present the much-awaited Unorganised Sector Workers Social Security Bill in Parliament during the ensuing monsoon session, the Labour Minister, Mr Oscar Fernandes, told the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Labour. The Bill looks at to set up tripartite Social Security Advisory Boards at the national and State levels for agricultural and non-agricultural workers in the unorganised sector. The proposed legislation would provide the structure for formulation and notification of suitable welfare schemes for different sections of unorganised sector workers both by the Central and State Governments. These schemes would pertain to life and disability cover, health insurance and maternity benefits and old age protection, the Minister informed the members of the consultative committee.

Mr Fernandes said following a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister earlier, the Committee of Secretaries chaired by the Cabinet Secretary was directed to verify the numbers, estimate possible contribution of the Government, list out various issues relating to modalities of implementation and collate and evaluate various State-level initiatives.