ESI and EPF schemes will be intact in the new Labour Code: Amit Shah assures BMS

BJP president Amit Shah assured the leaders of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh that ESI and EPF schemes would remain undisturbed at any cost in the new Labour Code on Social Security, 2018. According to a statement issued by the BMS, at a meeting with BMS national president Saji Narayanan C.K. and organising secretary B Surendra, Shah said that any changes in labour laws and reforms would be made only after proper consultation with trade unions.

In the statement released by Saji Narayanan CK, he said that the BMS welcomes the extension of social security to unorganised sector workers. The new Social Security code is historic and revolutionary since it gives about 14 benefits to the 43 crore unorganised workers.

However, the BMS leaders also raised their concerns about certain anti-worker provisions in the new Social Security code that have created resentment among workers. “One apprehension is about dismantling ESI and EPF schemes, merging it with the new Social security scheme and dividing its lakhs of crores of funds to State Social security boards. This is feared to result in cross subsidisation, meaning the entire funds will be depleted for the benefit of unorganised workers who may not be paying any contribution. Both are some of the largest Social security schemes in the world and doing good service to organised sector workers,” the statement said.

BMS leaders also appraised Amit Shah about the strike of nearly three lakh GDS (previously ED) employees continuing for many days. According to the statement, Shah has guaranteed the BMS that he would talk with concerned persons and find some way out.

“Regarding labour reforms, Amit Shah said any changes in labour laws and reforms will be done only after proper consultation with Trade Unions. Amit Shah said there will be special efforts to strengthen tripartite mechanism to settle labour issues,” Saji Narayanan said in the statement.