Labour Welfare in India

Abstract

India's labour force ranges from large numbers of illiterate workers to a sizeable pool of highly educated and skilled professionals. Labour welfare activities in India originated in 1837. They underwent notable changes during the ensuing years. This article is a description of these changes and the additions which were included over this period. On the whole, it paints a picture of the Indian Labour welfare scene. The 10 Five Year Plans have had a tremendous impact. Further, the Indian Planning Commission has laid down measures to enhance the welfare of workers in various areas such as child labour, bonded labour, female labour and occupational safety and health. Welfare work in India (broadly defined) is carried out by various government and non-government organisations of which the most important are National Government, State Government, Trade Unions, the Public Sector and Private Sector nongovernment organisations. Activities in this area include provision of housing facilities, education, occupational safety and health, prevention of child and bonded labour, and enhancement of working women's welfare. Private Sector welfare measures are of a similar nature. Notable companies taking initiatives in this regard are Tata and Larsen and Toubro. The article points out that the structure of a welfare state rests on its social security fabric. Government, employers and trade unions have done a lot to promote the betterment of workers' conditions. However, a great deal still needs to be done.

KEYWORDS:

• bonded labour
• child labour
• gender issues
• labour welfare
• trade union
• welfare funds
• workers' education

Notes

Jhuggi – Jhopri means small roughly built houses or shelters, usually made of mud, wood or metal, having thatch or tin sheet roofing.

Gherao, meaning “encirclement,” (a word originally from Hindi) is a typically South Asian way of protest. Usually, a group of people will surround a politician or a government building until their demands are met, or full answers given.

Refers to members of an Upper Caste who do not qualify for Government of India Reservation Benefits.