Delhi govt has released the draft rules under the Code on Social Security, proposing the establishment of career centres to assist both entrepreneurs and job-seekers, along with the creation of a social security board for unorganised workers.
The draft rules also propose the formation of a social security fund and the formalisation of compensation for workers in cases of accidents and maternity benefits.
The labour department of Delhi govt has invited objections and suggestions from all stakeholders and the general public, specifying the chapter and rule or sub-rule proposed to be modified, along with the reason for the same.
With the publication of these draft rules, Delhi govt has taken a significant step towards implementing the four labour codes passed by Parliament over five years ago. The four codes—consolidating 29 central labour laws—were passed between 2019 and 2020 to give impetus to economic reforms and ensure the welfare of unorganised sector workers. Apart from the Code on Social Security, the other three codes pertain to Wages, Industrial Relations, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions. The draft rules on social security are the first to be framed by Delhi govt, and those for the remaining three are yet to be finalised.As per the proposed framework, Delhi govt will either establish, run, and maintain career centres or modify and declare the existing employment exchange or portal for people to seek employment or employees and post vacancies.
The social security fund will consist of a lump sum contribution from the state govt, central govt grants, contributions from statutory bodies, and financial support from employers or their associations. This fund will be used to implement welfare schemes targeting unorganised workers.
The proposed Delhi Unorganised Workers Social Security Board will include seven representatives each from organisations representing unorganised workers and their employers, two MLAs, five eminent civil society members, and 10 officials from relevant state departments.
However, the draft has drawn criticism from worker unions. The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) argued that the rules would dilute existing social security mechanisms currently provided through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, Employees’ State Insurance , and the Construction Workers’ Welfare Board. CITU general secretary Aniyan Varkey was concerned about the definition of “unorganised worker”, which includes certain workers in the organised sector not covered under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
