Shot in the arm for social security

Unorganised workers have been hung out to dry since time immemorial. Despite many measures being announced by various governments to alleviate their woes, a majority of them have not been able to claim any benefit that a welfare state has to offer.

The e-Shram portal aims to bring the unorganised workforce under the social security net, setting a target of registering 38 crore unorganised workers. According to a media report, 92% of the workforce in this country are unorganised and are deprived of minimum wages and any form of social security. It is certainly not a happy situation for a nation that is trying to move to a fast and inclusive track of economic growth.

Pitched as a single-point reference to help government officials track and reach out to urorganised sector when they are in distress and need assistance, the launch of the portal comes in the wake of a rap by Supreme Court more than two months ago. The apex court had questioned the delay in setting up a database of unorganised workers.

For the success of the scheme, trade unions would have to play a pivotal role and the government officials will need to work closely with them. To ensure this initiative does not fall into category of ‘being promised jam tomorrow’, there should be high-decibel awareness campaigns and co-ordination between various agencies involved in implementing it. Lack of education and inability to access these facilities can derail such initiatives.

For the country to prosper, those at the bottom of the pyramid cannot be left out. Reeling under the impact of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, this development should come as a timely boost to them. If the country’s economy has to move on a fast track, blue collar workers and those in the unorganised sector cannot be simply left behind.