Social Security (Unorganised)
Labour Laws · असंगठित क्षेत्र सामाजिक सुरक्षा
📋Quick Overview
India's unorganised sector accounts for over 90% of the total workforce — approximately 500 million workers. These workers lack formal employment contracts, social security benefits, and job security. The Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act 2008 created a framework for welfare schemes for this sector. Key initiatives include E-Shram portal, BOCW Act 1996, MGNREGA, and the extension of social security to gig and platform workers under the Code on Social Security 2020.
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E-Shram Portal: National database of unorganised workers with 30 crore+ registered members. Workers get a 12-digit UAN card and ₹2 lakh accident insurance under PMSBY (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana).
📖Key Acts and Schemes for Unorganised Workers
| Scheme/Act | Year | Key Feature | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unorganised Workers' SS Act | 2008 | National Social Security Board; welfare schemes | All unorganised workers |
| E-Shram Portal | 2021 | 30 crore+ workers registered; ₹2 lakh accident insurance (PMSBY) | All unorganised workers |
| BOCW Act (Building & Other Construction Workers) | 1996 | 1% cess on building cost; welfare fund; safety provisions | All construction workers |
| RSBY (Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana) | 2008 | ₹30,000 health insurance for BPL; now merged in Ayushman Bharat | BPL workers |
| Code on Social Security 2020 | 2020 | Defines gig workers/platform workers; extends social security | Gig + platform workers |
📝Labour Market Statistics (PLFS)
- •PLFS: Periodic Labour Force Survey — launched in 2017, replaced NSSO employment surveys, conducted by NSSO
- •LFPR (Labour Force Participation Rate): % of population in labour force (employed + unemployed seeking work)
- •Worker Population Ratio (WPR): % of employed persons in total population
- •Gig Workers: Workers outside traditional employment relationship; work through digital platforms (e.g., Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato)
- •BOCW cess: 1% of the cost of construction is collected as welfare cess; used to fund worker welfare boards in each state
- •Inter-State Migrant Workers Act 1979: Protects migrant workers recruited from other states; register with origin and destination state