Social security for unorganised sector workers sought

An organisation representing over 23 lakh unorganised workers of the country called upon the central and Delhi governments Thursday to provide relief to these workers.

The National Alliance for Social Security (NASS) demanded immediate implementation of the Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act, 2008 - an act that provides for the social security and welfare for workers in the unorganised sector.

"The act was passed in 2008 but there has been dismal progress on the ground. Workers don't have access to essential social security services," said NASS convener Arbind Singh.

Even the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers, constituted in August 2009 under the act and reconstituted in February 2013, is limited to an advisory role and does not have sufficient powers to implement, monitor and enforce social security, he added.

"With the exception of a few states such as West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, a majority of the states including Delhi have not even set up their state level welfare boards," Singh said.

In addition to the implementation of the social security act and setting up of welfare boards at the state level, the NASS demanded maternity benefits, including prenatal and post natal care, for the women working in the unorganised sector.

It also sought that all workers be covered under the Employees State Insurance Corporation scheme and be provided pension not less than Rs.1,500 per month.