Smart cards, schools to uplift unorganised sector workers: Lad

Deccan Herald

6 days ago

Belagavi: Labour Minister Santosh Lad on Monday said that the government has implemented various welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of workers of the unorganised sector.He was speaking at a programme organised by the Labour Department, the Karnataka Construction and Other Workers Welfare Board, the Karnataka Unorganised Workers Social Security Board, and other departments at Yamnapur here. Lad distributed smart cards to workers and inaugurated a temporary accommodation facility for labourers.He said, the smart cards will enable workers to access medical, financial, and other essential services tailored to modern-day needs. 'Cess collected from various sectors is being effectively utilised to provide facilities for unorganised workers,' Lad added.3 residential schools The minister revealed that three residential schools have been sanctioned in the state for children of construction workers. He underscored the importance of inclusive welfare efforts. 'Unorganised workers make up about 90% of India's workforce and 73% in Karnataka. We must develop targeted welfare schemes for them,' he said.Highlighting ongoing initiatives, Lad said that the government is preparing a scheme to utilise the cess collected from petrol and diesel for labour welfare. Under the Gig Workers Scheme, delivery workers are already receiving medical benefits and insurance coverage. Similarly, cess collected on cinema tickets is being directed to assist workers in the film industry under the Cini Bill Scheme. Traditional artists like drama performers and puppeteers will also be included in welfare programmes.Commercial vehicle drivers and cleaners will soon be covered under a new insurance scheme funded through cess collected via transport bills. Lad cited alarming statistics, stating that the state witnesses approximately 1.6 lakh deaths annually among transport workers due to accidents, which he said impacts the country's GDP by nearly 3%. He urged officials to identify accident-prone black spots in all districts and discuss them in KDP (Karnataka Development Programme) meetings for immediate action.In an effort to promote social equity, vehicle owners hiring workers from the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes will receive an incentive of Rs 7,000 per worker for two years. The minister also highlighted the successful implementation of the state's five guarantee schemes. 'Under the Ghruha Laxmi Scheme, women are receiving Rs 2,000 per month, and over 500 crore free bus rides have been availed by women beneficiaries under the Shakti Scheme,' he said. He further noted that the Public Works Department is currently executing infrastructure projects worth Rs 22,000 crore, including roads and bridges.Education Public Works Minister and Belagavi District In-Charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who was also present, emphasised the government's commitment to introducing innovative programmes for public welfare. He called for the establishment of schools for construction workers' children in every district, with assured reservations to promote their education.Women & Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar stressed the need for fair implementation. 'Only eligible workers should benefit from the Labour Department schemes, and unauthorised labour cards must be cancelled,' she said. She urged department officials to raise awareness among unorganised workers about available welfare schemes.MLA Asif Sait also spoke.