Parliament Question: Climate Resilience and Social Security for Vulnerable Workers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2379 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.08.2026 CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND SOCIAL SECURITY FOR VULNERABLE WORKERS 2379. SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY: Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state: (a)whether the impact of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding on informal and daily-wage workers has been assessed and if so, the details thereof; (b)whether any national guidelines exist to protect workers whose livelihoods are disrupted due to adverse climatic conditions and if so, the details thereof; (c)whether social security mechanisms are available for workers affected by weather related work interruptions and if so, the details thereof; and (d)whether the Government proposes to formulate a climate resilience framework for vulnerable workers and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE) (a) to (d): The Government of India has been monitoring and recording the occurrence of various extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding, heat waves, cyclones, etc. across the country. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has initiated the preparation of India's National Adaptation Plan (NAP) on Climate Change, which aims to build resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate-related risks across sectors including agriculture, water and biodiversity. Ministry of Labour and Employment issues Nationwide Heatwave Advisory to protect workers and labourers. The Ministry also issues advisories to all States/UTs and its attached organisations, urging immediate preventive and mitigation measures to safeguard workers and labourers from the adverse effects of rising temperatures and heat wave conditions across the country. Contd..2/-:: 2 :: Further, the India Meteorological Department, in collaboration with various research centers across the country, has undertaken several initiatives to enhance monitoring and early warning systems across the country, including urban climate platforms. These efforts have significantly contributed to minimizing the loss of life and property during extreme weather events, including heat waves. These include: • Heat Action Plans (HAPs) in 23 States that are prone to heatwave conditions were jointly implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the State Governments. • Issuing seasonal and monthly outlooks, followed by extended- range forecasts of temperature and heatwave conditions. The early warning and forecast information are also disseminated through various social media platforms for timely public outreach. • District-wise heatwave vulnerability Atlas over India to help State Government authorities and disaster management agencies in planning. • The hot weather hazard analysis map of India incorporates daily data on temperature, wind patterns, and humidity levels. • A series of National and State-level heatwave preparedness meetings are conducted much before the start of the summer season, with regular review meetings from time to time during the season. The Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides for the legal and institutional framework for the effective management of disasters. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has prepared the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) in 2016 the updated and revised it in 2019. NDMP provides a framework and direction to the government agencies for all phases of disaster management cycle. It is a strategic tool in further strengthening disaster resilient development in the country. The primary responsibility for disaster management including disbursal of relief assistance on ground level rests with the State Governments concerned. The Central Government provides requisite logistics and financial assistance to support the efforts of the State Governments. The State Governments provide financial relief to the affected people in the event of 12 notified natural disasters, which includes floods and landslides, from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), already placed at its disposal in accordance with approved items and norms of Government of India. *****