Ambedkar Scheme to Support 91 Unorganised Labour Categories: Santosh Lad

Quick Summary

• Karnataka Labour minister Santosh S. Lad announced the ambedkar Karmik Sahayahasta Yojane, benefiting workers in 91 unorganised sector categories across Karnataka.
• Approximately 83%-85% of Karnataka’s workforce belongs to the unorganised sector; 1.6 crore workers have registered in the state under this scheme.
• Benefits include accident insurance, maternity benefits, scholarships for children, pension support, and coverage for gig workers such as those on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, and Zomato.
• A new Act has been introduced to safeguard gig worker rights. the Cine Bill will assist rural artists involved in cultural activities.
• Under the Ashadeepa scheme: SC/ST youth employed at small companies get ESI/PF contributions reimbursed for two years to encourage local employment and aid small enterprises.
• Salaries of outsourced workers will now be routed through cooperative societies rather of private agencies.
• At a distribution event held in Koppal city: smart cards were handed out to over 91 workers; cheques issued under Ashadeepa for ESI/PF contributions; ₹10,000 scholarships distributed to children of private transport drivers; details stalls showcased labour welfare schemes.

Indian opinion Analysis

This initiative marks a critical step toward addressing social security gaps among unorganised sector workers in Karnataka-a group comprising up to 85% of its workforce. By extending benefits formerly reserved for construction workers into these broader categories and including gig economy participants (like delivery personnel), it signals responsiveness to contemporary employment trends. The introduction of specific legislative measures further strengthens protections for these vulnerable segments.

The Ashadeepa scheme encourages participation from marginalized communities (SC/ST) while supporting smaller enterprises-a dual emphasis essential both socially and economically. Routing salaries via cooperatives may enhance openness compared with private agencies but could challenge operational efficiencies during implementation phases requiring structural adjustment across departments.

initiatives like these reinforce India’s ongoing efforts toward inclusive labor reform essential amid evolving workplace models rooted deeply within informal sectors.

Read more: Source Link