BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced to extend social security schemes to workers engaged in unorganised sectors. Inaugurating the first convention of the Biju Shramik Samukhya (BSS), a newly created wing of the party representing workers in unorganised sectors, the Chief Minister said the State Government will issue identity cards and they will be covered under social security schemes. He also announced special security provisions for women workers.
“All workers in the unorganised sector, starting from domestic helpers, transport workers, vendors and labourers will be provided with identity cards. Provisions of pucca houses, rented accommodations in towns, assistance for marriage of their children and pension will be part of the social security measures,” he said.
Asserting that Biju Janata Dal (BJD) believes in action and not in words, the Chief Minister said labour power is the greatest wealth of the country and Odisha’s labour welfare measures have become a model for the rest of the country.
Women and Child Development Minister Prafulla Samal said all those working in the unorganised sectors in the State are deprived of social security, minimum wages and other facilities. The Biju Shramik Samukhya has been formed with an aim to serve the labourers in the unorganised sectors, provide them security and expedite the programmes related to their development.
General secretary of BSS Subash Singh said welfare measures announced by the Chief Minister will benefit more than 10 lakh people in the State. Though the facilities are not at par with what is provided to construction workers, he said the new beneficiaries will get accidental insurance, health insurance and life insurance of `3 lakh and in case of disability, they will be provided `1.5 lakh assistance. These schemes will come into force within two to three months.