Inclusive development for Aspirational India is one of the pillars on which the Union Budget 2021-22 stands and provide the guiding light for the government to put forth proposals for unorganized workforce especially the migrant workers and labourers. While presenting the Union Budget in Parliament today, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, laid emphasis on the implementation of One Nation One Ration Card and Labour Codes and also announced a portal to collect the information of the unorganized workforce.

One Nation One Ration Card

“One Nation One Ration Card plan is under implementation by 32 states and UTs, reaching about 69 crore beneficiaries – that’s a total of 86% beneficiaries covered”, the Minister informed to the house while assuring the integration of remaining 4 states and UTs in coming few months. This scheme allows beneficiaries to claim their rations from anywhere in the country, especially the migrant workers,  with a partial claim from where they are stationed, while their family, in their native places, can claim the rest.

Portal for unorganised labour force

To further extend the governments’ efforts towards the unorganised labour force with a special focus on migrant workers, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to launch a portal that will collect relevant information on gig, building and construction-workers among others. This will also help formulate Health, Housing, Skill, Insurance, Credit, and food schemes for migrant workers.

Implementation of Labour Codes

The Finance Minister said that government will conclude the implementation of the four labour codes for extending social security benefits to gig and platform workers with the application of minimum wages across all categories of workers. Coverage under the Employees State Insurance Corporation will also be extended to them. Women will be allowed to work in all categories and also in the night-shifts with adequate protection.

The provision of single registration and licensing, and online returns will also reduce the compliance burden on employers.

RM/KS