Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra has directed prompt action to extend social security benefits to unorganised sector workers, gig and platform workers, and construction workers as per Central Government regulations. Mishra chaired a meeting to review the readiness for implementing rules under the Code on Social Security, 2020, which aims to provide welfare benefits to these workers. The Code mandates the establishment of Welfare Boards for unorganised and construction workers and the development of welfare schemes for them.
Mishra emphasized the need for a swift and transparent delivery of welfare schemes to unorganised workers, gig and platform workers, and construction workers. He highlighted the consolidation of 29 existing labour laws into four Labour Codes by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. These codes aim to safeguard workers’ rights, enhance Ease of Doing Business, and broaden social security coverage.
Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, provisions have been made to offer social security benefits to unorganised workers and gig/platform workers. Additionally, construction workers previously covered under the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996, are now included under the Code on Social Security, 2020. Mishra stressed the importance of aligning Delhi’s rules with the Central Government’s regulations to ensure uniformity nationwide and prevent inconvenience to workers.
The Labour Minister urged officials to expedite the finalization of rules to ensure timely access to maximum benefits under all four Labour Codes for workers in Delhi. He reiterated the Delhi Government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and rights of workers, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards any delays in this regard.
