‘Unorganised workers should get social welfare benefits’

 

 

 

There are more than 43 crore unorganised workers in various sectors across the country. These workers are not getting any subsidies or benefits under Government welfare schemes due to which their economic condition is worsening. “Central Government should introduce laws for these neglected and exploited workers by providing social welfare benefits,” demanded National Vice-President of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) Jayanti Lal. He was speaking at the one-day ‘Kamgar Mela’ organised by BMS Vidarbha Unit at Sevasadan School Sabhagruh, Jhansi Rani Square, Sitabuldi. On the occasion, Jayanti Lal said, “Workers in the unorganised sector including labourers, maids, security guards, roadside hawkers, kamgar and karmachari and others should get security cover. This is our main demand and for this, we will continue our struggle.

 

We want these workers to live a decent life and be happy during their old age. For this reason, it is important that they get proper pension, insurance and medical facilities.” “In order to get justice everyone should unite immediately,” he told the workers gathering present at the programme. Neeta Choubey, National Vice- President of BMS, C V Rajesh, Organising Secretary of BMS (West), Ravindra Himte, National Secretary, Vasantrao Pimplapure, All India General Secretary of Varishtha Nagrik Parisangh, Adv Rajan Deshpande, Shilpa Deshpande, President of BMS Vidarbha Pradesh and Gajanan Gatlewar, General Secretary were present. Jayanti Lal further said, BMS is strongly against privatisation of national assets. It is not in the interest of the people. Under nationalisation there would be less social welfare and services for the people and more focus on earning profit. Electricity, education, health and medical, and transport sectors are essential services which should not be privatised in the interest of the common people.

 

“There are various States in the country where the wages of workers have not been increased from the past 10 to 15 years. A new trend to hire workers on contract basis has formed a new class of workers. Contractors appoint workers on contract basis and a system has been created in such a way that these people work year after year without any facilities, welfare, rights and security,” Jayanti Lal said. Some of the major demand are as follows: Government should establish a social security scheme where contributions should be deposited in workers account. State and Central Governments should contribute towards a fund and distribute it among the workers and give justice. For unorganised auto drivers, school bus drivers, small transporters and workers the Government should establish a Social Welfare Mandal. Provide social welfare benefits to unorganised workers. State Governments should give basic payment to people working as guides in forests and tourist destinations. Unorganised security workers in PSUs should be given Khaki dress, informs Suresh Choudhari, PRO of BMS.