How to Protect Workers in the Unorganised Sector?

2.4.1 How to Protect Workers in the Unorganised Sector?

Description

Quick Overview

The section discusses the vulnerability of workers in the unorganised sector and outlines the need for protection and support from both economic and social perspectives.

Standard

As opportunities in the organised sector slow down, many workers are pushed into the unorganised sector where they face exploitation, low wages, and social discrimination. The section calls for various supportive measures for both rural and urban unorganised workers to ensure their economic stability and social acceptance.

Detailed

How to Protect Workers in the Unorganised Sector?

The protection of workers in the unorganised sector has gained importance as the formal job market becomes increasingly competitive. This sector, which includes a majority of rural households like landless agricultural labourers and small-scale urban workers like street vendors, is plagued by low wages and precarious job security. The decline of jobs in the organised sector, especially since the 1990s, has pushed many workers to seek employment in the unorganised sector, where they often face exploitation.

In rural communities, about 80% of households fall into the small and marginal farmers category, which necessitates support in terms of timely access to seeds, credit, and good market practices. Meanwhile, urban workers in small-scale industries or casual jobs need similar governmental backing to secure their rights. Furthermore, people from scheduled castes, tribes, and backward communities are disproportionately represented in this sector, facing both economic and social injustices.

This section advocates for comprehensive support systems that would not only improve economic conditions for unorganised workers but also foster social inclusion, making it essential for sustained development.

Key Concepts

  • Vulnerability: Unorganised workers lack job security and face low wages.

  • Economic Support: Essential managerial and financial aid needed for unorganised workers.

  • Social Discrimination: Certain communities face added hurdles beyond economic issues.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In the unorganised race, workers must face, low wages with no trace, of security or grace.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine Asha, a street vendor, selling flowers every day. Despite her hard work, she struggles to earn enough to feed her family, illustrating the trials of unorganised workers.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember 'LOW IS SAD': Low wages, Insecure jobs, Social barriers, Additional Needs for support, which defines the challenges of unorganised labor.

🎯 Super Acronyms

SAGE

  • Seeds
  • Access
  • Grants
  • Employment needed to uplift unorganised workers.

Examples

  • An artisan producing handmade goods may struggle to find buyers and receive fair compensation.

  • A casual laborer may be paid daily wages that do not cover basic living costs.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Unorganised Sector

    Definition:

    A segment of the economy consisting of jobs that are not regulated or protected by the government, including casual laborers and small-scale vendors.

  • Term: Exploitation

    Definition:

    Taking unfair advantage of someone, often through low pay or poor working conditions.

  • Term: Scheduled Castes and Tribes

    Definition:

    Groups of people in India who face social and economic disadvantages and discrimination.