NEW DELHI: A delegation from the All India functionaries of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) met Minister of Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, to advocate for doubling the eligibility ceilings for Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) and Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). They argued that the current ceilings are outdated, not reflecting the rise in income and prices, and that an increase would expand coverage to a larger segment of workers.
The BMS leadership also pressed for the swift implementation of the Code on Wages (2019) and the Code on Social Security (2020). They described these codes as historic and revolutionary for common workers, noting that the Code on Wages would ensure minimum wages for all workers in the country. The Code on Social Security aims to provide extensive social security benefits, including coverage for 43 crores of unorganised workers, representing a significant step towards universal labor welfare.
While supporting the Codes on Wages and Social Security, the BMS criticised the Industrial Relations Code and the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Code for containing anti-worker provisions. They acknowledged that the OSH Code advances worker safety and health but argued that the threshold limit prescribed in the code restricts the benefits provided. BMS called for detailed consultations with all trade unions to rectify these issues and implement the codes promptly.
The delegation urged the Minister to implement urgent reforms in the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme, including improving hospital facilities and providing health benefits through empanelled hospitals. They also requested an increase in the minimum pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000, along with the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), and proposed linking it with the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
The delegation discussed various labor-related issues with the minister, who responded positively, assuring them that the ministry would work on their demands and is committed to the cause of workers.
The delegation included President Hiranmay Pandya, General Secretary Ravindra Himte, Former President Saji Narayanan, Former General Secretary Virjesh Upadhyay, Organising Secretary B. Surendran, Deputy Organising Secretary Ganesh Mishra, Contract Labour Board Chairman Surendra Pandey, and ESIC member S. Durairaj.
