Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is of the opinion that the Central government should try to expand the social security network to workers, especially the Anganwadi workers, MGNREGA workers and the workers in unorganised sector. Allocating adequate funds to implement the welfare schemes under the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act is a key concern. The monthly honorarium of the Scheme workers need to be enhanced. At the same time the incentives to Asha and USHA workers should also be enhanced.
These workers are demanding to be brought under Bonus and Gratuity Act. They should also be covered under ESI and EFP facility. To make MGNREGA scheme more productive, fund releasing pattern should be changed. Based upon area specific rural/agricultural needs, the funds should be released.
Apart from it there is a need to allot sufficient funds for minimum pension of Rs 3,000 per month to the EPF-95 pensioners as recommended by the Petition Committee of the Rajya Sabha. Similarly, the income tax limit should also be raised to Rs 5 lakh. The traditional industries like jute, textile, handloom, silk, carpet etc should also be provided budgetary support.
CTU’s have been demanding to call Indian Labour Conference to discuss the labour issues. Similarly, the government should move further on the labour reforms only after discussing them at the tripartite fora. We also want the government to constitute an enquiry committee to investigate the losses incurring to the PSUs. Instead of closing the PSUs the government should think of some alternative ways to restart and involve them in production of some by-products. The government can also sanction one time aid to the ailing PSUs.
Pawan Kumar (The writer is north zone organising secretary of BMS)
