The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Bengaluru): Acknowledging the vital role played by unorganized workers in India’s growth story, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled a comprehensive package of measures under its “Modi ki Guarantee for Shramik Samman” as part of its election manifesto.
The party promises to ensure a periodic review of the National Floor Wages, providing a safety net for workers and helping them keep pace with the rising cost of living. This move aims to protect the interests of the most vulnerable sections of the workforce.
Recognizing the need for a robust social security framework, the BJP pledges to integrate all existing insurance schemes and leverage the extensive network of post offices and Digital India infrastructure to provide comprehensive accident and life insurance coverage to unorganized workers. The focus will be on simplifying enrollment and claim settlement processes through the use of digital technologies.
The manifesto also emphasizes the importance of extending the benefits of various government schemes to unorganized workers. The party aims to reach out to the workers registered on the e-Shram portal and assist them in availing the benefits of the programs they are eligible for. A similar outreach is planned for gig workers and migrant workers registered on the portal.
To ensure the smooth movement of migrant workers, the BJP promises to enhance the special train services currently operating during important festivals. The party aims to expand these services to cover more destinations and frequencies, enabling migrant workers to travel between their workplaces and hometowns without hassle.
Recognizing the growing importance of the gig economy, the manifesto pledges to onboard gig workers on the e-Shram portal and ensure their access to various welfare programs. A similar initiative is planned for auto, taxi, truck, and other drivers, with the aim of achieving 100% coverage under insurance and welfare schemes.
The BJP also plans to expand the PM Svanidhi scheme, which has already benefited over 63 lakh street vendors with easy credit access. The scheme’s ambit will be widened to include street vendors, traveling salesmen, and other small traders from towns and villages across India.
To support the welfare of truck drivers, who play a crucial role in keeping India’s economy moving, the party proposes to introduce a new scheme for developing modern amenities along national highways. These facilities will provide much-needed rest stops, parking areas, and other essential services for the drivers.