Protection of Rights of Unorganised labourers in India
India is home to a large population of unorganised labourers, who form an
integral part of the country's workforce. Unfortunately, these workers are often
marginalised and deprived of their rights due to lack of legal protection or
awareness. This article examines the current state of affairs regarding the
protection of rights for unorganised labourers in India and suggests ways in
which they can be empowered.
Firstly, it is important to understand what constitutes an unorganised labourer
in India. An unorganised worker is one who does not have any kind of legal
protection and works without the security of a regular job or contract. This
includes agricultural workers, domestic help, construction workers, street
vendors and other informal sector employees. According to the International
Labour Organization (ILO), there are over 400 million such workers in India
alone. Most of them work for very low wages, often with no access to social
security benefits or health insurance.
Due to their lack of legal protection, these workers are often exploited by
employers and forced into hazardous conditions with little or no pay. In
addition to this they also face discrimination based on caste and gender which
further marginalises them from society at large and denies them access to basic
rights like education and healthcare services.
The Indian Government has taken some steps towards protecting the rights of
unorganised labourers but there is still much more that needs to be done in
order ensure their safety and well-being as members of society. The most
effective way forward would be through legislation that provides these
vulnerable groups with adequate protections under law so that they can enjoy the
same rights as organised labour groups do today.
One example of such legislation is the Unorganized Worker's Social Security Act
2008 which was introduced by the Indian Government in order provide greater
security for those working in casual employment situations such as daily wage
earners or part-time/seasonal jobs etc., It provides various social security
benefits like old age pension scheme, health insurance coverage for
hospitalisation expenses etc., thereby providing essential financial support
during times when money may be scarce due accidents or illness related issues
faced by these unorganised labourers.
Additionally, the act also requires employers registered under it take certain
measures ensure safety while performing hazardous duties like electricians
having proper training before being allowed perform tasks involving electricity.
However, its implementation remains patchy at best due inadequate awareness
among both employers & employees regarding this act leading many times
exploitation even after its introduction.
Another measure taken up recently is setting up special courts dedicated solely
towards hearing cases pertaining laws specifically designed protect interests &
welfare our unorganized laborers called 'Labour Courts' . These courts provide
speedy resolution disputes between employed & employer thus preventing
exploitation occurring on account slow judicial process civil court system where
cases linger years together without any resolution favour either party involved
dispute.
Furthermore ,these courts also allow filing complaints against companies who
fail adhere government regulations laid down protect interests our labours which
otherwise could go unnoticed if filed using traditional civil court system
taking ages resolve case owing its red tape bureaucracy associated with latter
option.
Other than legislations , another way empower our unskilled labours would
educating them about their fundamental rights enshrined Constitution India via
mass campaigns conducted keep people informed about same. For instance few NGOs
have been actively conducting workshops rural areas informing farmers about
minimum wages should receive market prices produce along information regarding
other government schemes like loan waivers & subsidies they can avail if
eligible same.
This has enabled them become aware their basic rights and accordingly take
actions against employers exploiting them or underpaying wages due lack
knowledge about current laws related labour rights. Additionally, through these
workshops people have also come know importance joining unions so that
collective bargaining power is used negotiate better wages & other benefits from
employers while protecting interests our unorganised labourers at large scale.
Finally, it is important to note that the protection of the rights of
unorganised labourers in India cannot be effectively achieved without proper
implementation. The government needs to ensure that there are adequate
mechanisms in place for monitoring and enforcing existing legislation as well as
creating new ones where needed. In addition, greater awareness among both
workers and employers about the legal framework should be encouraged via
campaigns, seminars and other forms of outreach programmes. Only then can we
guarantee a safe working environment for all members of society regardless of
their economic status.
In conclusion, it is clear that unorganised labourers form an integral part of
India's workforce but are often marginalised due to lack of legal protection or
awareness. Therefore, it is essential for the government to introduce effective
measures such as special courts dedicated solely towards hearing cases
pertaining to laws specifically designed protect interests & welfare our
unorganized laborers along with mass campaigns educating people about their
fundamental rights enshrined in Constitution of India etc., in order to empower
this vulnerable group within society create just & equitable work conditions for
everyone involved Indian economy alike.
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