Karnataka’s Labour Minister, Santosh Lad, has affirmed the state government’s dedication to safeguarding unorganised sector workers through various schemes and upcoming legislative measures. He announced that new bills would be introduced to ensure benefits effectively reach these crucial members of the workforce.
Speaking at a programme in Yadgir on Wednesday, where he distributed smart cards to unorganised sector workers, Mr. Lad affectionately referred to them as his ‘family members.’ He highlighted the government’s commitment, noting that new legislation like the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill and the Karnataka Cine and Cultural Activists (Welfare) Act are designed to provide robust social security and protection.
Under the ‘Ambedkar Karmika Sahaya Hasta Yojana,’ 101 categories of unorganised sector labourers have been identified for registration. So far, a remarkable 25,45,607 workers across the state, including 59,493 in Yadgir district, have been registered. These smart cards will facilitate easy access to government benefits for the registered members.
Mr. Lad detailed the extensive coverage for these labourers, explaining that schemes such as the Karnataka State Private Commercial Transport Workers Accident Scheme, Karnataka State Gig Workers Insurance Scheme, Karnataka State Daily News Paper Delivery Boy Accident Benefits and Medical Benefits Scheme, and others, provide compensation ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh in cases of death or permanent disability.
The state government views the strengthening of unorganised sectors as a top priority. Through the Ashadeepa Scheme, an incentive-based program, the government will cover 50% of the salaries for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe employees working in private sectors.
Furthermore, Mr. Lad revealed that the government has disbursed ₹51.61 crore to over 74,000 beneficiaries for education, marriage, and preventive healthcare for them and their children. He underscored the belief that national growth is intrinsically linked to the development of these sectors.
Taking a moment to critique the Central government, Mr. Lad questioned the lack of increase in India’s per capita income despite claims of a $4 trillion economy, noting a decline compared to other nations like Japan, China, and America.
He lauded Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for the successful implementation of five guarantee schemes, which he stated have significantly bolstered the financial stability of middle-class families. He cited a considerable increase in the state’s GDP and per capita income following these schemes, highlighting the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which has enabled 500 crore women to travel free on government buses, as a world-record achievement.
The Minister for Small Scale Industries and Public Enterprises, Sharanabasappa Darshanapur, expressed gratitude to Mr. Lad for sanctioning a residential school for children of unorganised sector labourers in Bheemarayanagudi, Shahapur taluk. MLAs Channareddy Patil Tunnur and Sharanagouda Kandkur also requested similar residential schools for their respective constituencies.
The event was a collaborative effort by the Karnataka Building and Construction Workers Welfare Board, the State Unorganised Workers Social Security Board, the Transport Department, the District Administration, and the Zilla Panchayat. Dignitaries present included Baburao Chinchansur (Chairman, Nijasharana Ambiagar Chowdaiah Abhivriddhi Nigama), Lalita Anapur (CMC Chairman), Baburao Kadlur (Chairman, Yadgir Urban Development Authority), Deputy Commissioner Harshal Boyar, CEO Lavish Ordia, and Superintendent of Police Pruthvik Shankar.