Unorganised workers are the State’s greatest asset, says Labour Minister

Unorganised sector workers are the State’s greatest asset, said Labour Minister Santosh Lad, stressing the government’s commitment to improving their social and financial security.

He was speaking after inaugurating a programme for distributing smart cards and creating awareness on various welfare schemes for unorganised workers at Ghale Kalyana Mantap in Bidar on Tuesday. The event was jointly organised by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Labour Department, Karnataka State Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Board, and the Transport Department.

“Nearly 85% of Karnataka’s workforce belongs to the unorganised sector. Through the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Karmikara Sahayahasta Yojane, the State has identified 101 categories of unorganised workers and registered around 35 lakh beneficiaries, who are being provided free smart cards. In Bidar district alone, 59,493 workers have been registered and issued smart cards,” Mr. Lad said.

The Minister announced that accidental death compensation of ₹1 lakh would be provided to registered workers, and insurance coverage up to ₹4 lakh would be available under the Karnataka Gig Workers Insurance Scheme.

He added that a Karnataka Home-based Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act is being drafted to extend legal and welfare protections.

Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre lauded Mr. Lad’s leadership, noting that he has launched several revolutionary welfare programmes for workers, including the establishment of residential schools for workers’ children, a first in the country.

Municipal Administration and Haj Minister Rahim Khan described Mr. Lad as a “leader with a deep concern for the poor, Dalits, and the working class, committed to building an equitable society.”

During the event, cheques were distributed under the Aashadeep Scheme, compensation was granted to families of deceased private vehicle drivers, and smart cards were handed over to workers.

Senior officials, including Labour Secretary Mohammad Mohsin, Labour Commissioner H.N. Gopalakrishna, and Transport Commissioner Yogesh M.A., were present on the occasion.