A comprehensive social security cover for workers will be ready by March 2025, with the Centre and States forming  three committees to hold consultations and develop a sustainable model for the welfare measure.

The consensus for a framework for comprehensive social security emerged following deliberations on the issue at the two-day workshop with the Labour Ministers and Labour Secretaries of States and UTs, which ended on Thursday.

Over ten subjects during the five sessions spread over two days, were extensively discussed and inputs gathered, with the objective to design targeted action items, Union Ministry of Labour and Employment said in a statement.

“Three Committees comprising five States each were formed. Building on the discussions during the workshop, these Committees will hold consultations and develop a sustainable model for comprehensive social security coverage for workers, to be presented in March 2025,” the Ministry’s statement read.

Holistic and sustainable welfare programmes such as providing pension, healthcare, life and accident insurance, etc. were discussed.

Comprehensive action plan

Taking note of the deliberations and suggestions made during the two-day workshop, Union Minister for Labour and Employment, . Mansukh Mandaviya during his address laid out a comprehensive action plan for all stakeholders and emphasised that his Ministry is committed to working  closely with State governments to design various reforms and initiatives to ensure the welfare of organised and unorganised workers.

Mandaviya urged States to assess the feasibility of adopting best practices showcased by different States and UTs during the last two days.

Building and construction workers welfare

Social security for unorganised sector workers, such as those involved in building and construction work, the gig and platform economy, and other sectors, was extensively discussed at the workshop, the Ministry stated.

The Minister emphasised developing sustainable social security models for the unorganised sector workers.

Other than that, the welfare of contract labour and the transformation of the role of the inspector to inspector-cum-facilitator were other main agenda items for day two.

States showcased the progress made in utilising building and other construction workers (BOCW) cess funds in giving social security coverage, besides developing education and skill development institutions for children of these workers, the statement read.

Innovative ways of utilising these resources for providing various social welfare initiatives like pension were widely deliberated.

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