The Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008: Protecting The Builders Of The Country

There are innumerable sectors in a vast and diverse country like India and a wide range of workforce work in each sector. One of those sectors is the unorganised or informal sector wherein millions of workers work and contribute significantly to the country’s economy.

Workers from the unorganised sectors are the builders of the nation who help in laying the foundation for further development. But sadly, the value of these workers is underappreciated, and are often not given access to employment benefits and social security. This led to the creation and enactment of the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 by the Government of India to ensure that workers from the unorganised sectors receive all the benefits associated with employment and access to the social security schemes.

Also read: The PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana Helping Unorganised Workers In India

Key Provisions Of The Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008

The act entails several key provisions such as

• Defines ‘Unorganised Workers’: The act defines unorganised workers and explains them as those who aren’t bound to a formal employment contract or don’t have access to the benefits of social security. This includes both, self-employed people and wage workers as well.

• Registrations of Workers: The act compulsorily requires the registration of unorganised workers with the act so that they can avail the benefits that come with it. The process is straightforward so that they can register themselves easily or get registered by their respective employers.

• Social Security Boards: Under this government act, social security boards are established to monitor and oversee the implementation of the government schemes for unorganised workers. They are responsible for checking the progress and also for suggesting improvements in the existing framework.

• Covered Schemes: Under the act, various schemes are covered for unorganised workers such as:

• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme

• National Family Benefit Scheme

• Janani Suraksha Yojana

• Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme

• Handicraft Artisans’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme

• Pension to Master craft persons

• National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen and Training and Extension

• Janshree Bima Yojana

• Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana

• Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana

• Associated Acts: Several acts are also partnered with this act:

• The Workmen’s Compensation Act of 1923

• The Industrial Disputes Act of 1947

• The Employees’ State Insurance Act of 1948

• The Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 1952

• The Maternity Benefit Act of 1961, and

• The Payment of Gratuity Act of 1972

• Funding and Contributions: The act has provisions of funding for social security schemes, one of which is contributions from the workers, employers, and the government. The contribution rates are also mentioned in the act.

• Awareness Campaigns: The act also emphasises the need for campaigning regarding the act as many workers aren’t aware that such an act exists for them. The campaigns are organised to educate unorganised workers about the benefits that can be availed through registration.

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