Minister calls for proper utilization of
many government schemes for unorganized workers
Labour Minister Santosh Lad, speaking after inaugurating an awareness programme held recently at Crystal Hall, Madikeri, in association with the Karnataka State Unorganized Workers Social Security Board, Labour Department, Transport Department, District Administration and Zilla Panchayat, distributed smart cards to various categories of unorganized workers in Kodagu district. He also spoke about the various schemes of the Board and emphasized that many government schemes have been implemented for unorganized workers in the Labour Department. He called upon unorganized workers to compulsorily register their names to avail these benefits.
The Minister explained that the government has implemented schemes for 26 to 101 categories of unorganized workers. He stressed that workers should take the initiative to benefit from them. He noted that Karnataka is unique in the country for implementing an insurance scheme specifically for gig workers. All unorganized workers involved in the delivery profession in companies such as Swiggy and Zomato, and in e-commerce companies such as Amazon, Flipkart, Porter, PharmEasy, Blinkit, Big Basket, Domino’s, and other organizations, are classified as gig workers.
The government’s objective is to provide adequate security to unorganized workers. The Minister also mentioned that schemes have been extended to workers involved in drama, cultural programmes, and folk art. Similarly, labour laws have been enforced for workers such as auto-rickshaw drivers and painters. He stated that in case of accidental death, unorganized workers’ families would receive compensation up to Rs. 5 lakh.
Highlighting that 90 percent of the country’s workforce is engaged in the unorganized sector doing small jobs, the Minister said 101 such categories of professions have been identified. The government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has implemented five guarantee schemes, with an annual expenditure of Rs. 60,000 crore. According to the Minister, this is propelling the state’s economic growth.
“Our government is working for the overall development of common people. By implementing various programmes for the economic upliftment of the poor, we are ensuring that everyone leads a better life,” Santosh Lad said.
He added that it was important to review the debt levels of the UPA government and compare them with the last 11 years. He noted that the country’s GDP stands at only 5 percent. While the state has an income of Rs. 2.2 lakh per capita, the country’s income is less than Rs. 1.5 lakh per capita. Hence, he suggested that both the country’s and the state’s economic growth be reviewed.
The Minister further emphasized that the previous UPA government had implemented many social security schemes, including the Right to Education Act, Food Security Act, and NREGA. Santosh Lad assured that the issue of providing shelter to plantation workers would be brought to the attention of the Chief Minister and the Housing Minister.
Speaking on the occasion, A.S. Ponnanna, the Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and MLA from Virajpet, said that the government has implemented the Ashadeepa scheme for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. He praised the government and ministers for working on behalf of the exploited and marginalized. He said that the government is striving to provide social security along with social welfare, formulating 101 different schemes for unorganized workers. He added that the government’s efforts in delivering social justice to unorganized workers were commendable and aligned with Ambedkar’s vision. Social security schemes, including the guarantee schemes, have benefited the poor and marginalized. A.S. Ponnanna reiterated that the government is working hard to bring equality in society.
MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda also addressed the gathering, stating that a large number of unorganized workers in Kodagu district live in plantations without land or housing, even after working there for 60 years. He demanded that shelter be provided for them.
Mahroos Khan, State Vice President of the Guarantee Scheme Committee, highlighted that the government has implemented several programmes for the empowerment of the poor, minorities, and women. He noted that Karnataka ranks second in GST collection in the country and first in GDP growth. He attributed this economic development to guarantee schemes such as Gruhalakshmi.
Dr. S.B. Ravikumar, Joint Commissioner and Joint Secretary of the Labour Department, explained that the government has implemented more than 25 labour laws for unorganized workers.
On the occasion, the Minister distributed a cheque of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of private commercial drivers who had died in accidents under the Social Security Scheme for Unorganized Workers. Gowramma, one of the beneficiaries, became emotional while receiving the cheque.
Additionally, an educational grant of Rs. 10,000 was distributed to the children of deceased private commercial drivers. The Minister also handed over smart cards to 94 registered categories of unorganized workers.
Among those present were Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee District President Dharmaja Uthappa, Mundaragi Nagaraj, Srinivas, Kodagu District Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, ZP CEO Anand Prakash Meena, Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya, District Labour Officer T. Kaveri, Senior Labour Inspectors M.A. Yatnatti and S. Sashidhar, and others.
On this occasion, Labour Department Commissioner Dr. N. Gopalakrishna read the Preamble of the Constitution of India. Girish led the prayer. Deputy Labour Commissioner H.L. Guruprasad welcomed the gathering, while Assistant Labour Commissioner Nazia Sultan delivered the vote of thanks.
