**Executive Summary**
The document addresses Unstarred Question No. 158 in Lok Sabha, concerning welfare measures for artisans and workers in the unorganised sector. It outlines steps taken by the government to ensure timely disbursement of gratuity and social security benefits, including the implementation of social security schemes and initiatives to prevent financial misappropriation. The response was given on 01.12.2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
*Gratuity and Social Security Benefits:*
* Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, employers are required to pay gratuity within 30 days of it becoming payable to the employee.
* Social Security schemes like Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Surakhsa Bima Yojana are for unorganised workers including artisans and workers through private agencies.
*Manpower Contract Service Charges and GST Payments:*
* The government has fixed the minimum service charge in manpower contracts in the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) at 3.85%.
* The government reimburses the GST amount paid by the contractor after receiving the challan of GST payment.
*Public Awareness and Education Reforms:*
* The government, through the Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education and Development, conducts training programs for public awareness, education reforms, and recognition of good labour practices across sectors.
**Impact Analysis**
* **Unorganised Workers, Artisans, and Workers through Private Agencies**
* *Impact:* They are to receive timely gratuity and social security benefits through existing schemes.
* *Action Required:* Should familiarise themselves with the details of the various schemes and ensure compliance.
* **Employers**
* *Impact:* Obligated to pay gratuity within 30 days as mandated by the Code on Social Security, 2020.
* *Action Required:* Ensure timely payment of gratuity within the stipulated timeframe.
* **Contractors**
* *Impact:* Entitled to GST reimbursement from the government.
* *Action Required:* Ensure proper GST payment and submission of challans for reimbursement.
* **Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education and Development**
* *Impact:* Responsible for conducting training programs to promote public awareness and education.
* *Action Required:* Design and execute training programs focusing on labor rights and awareness.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Labour and Employment: The primary government body responsible for labour and employment policies mentioned in the document.
Code on Social Security, 2020: A key law that mandates gratuity payments to employees within 30 days.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana: A social security scheme aimed at unorganised workers.
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana: A social security scheme aimed at unorganised workers.
Pradhan Mantri Surakhsa Bima Yojana: A social security scheme aimed at unorganised workers.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 158
TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.12.2025
WELFARE MEASURES FOR ARTISANS AND WORKERS IN THE
UNORGANISED SECTOR
158. DR. AMAR SINGH:
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:
(a)the details of the steps taken by the Government to ensure timely and full
disbursement of gratuity and social security benefits to artisans and
workers engaged through private agencies, particularly in the
unorganized sector, in light of prevalent exploitation and delay issues;
(b)the details of the measures proposed by the Government to increase the
minimum service charges in manpower contracts and mandate direct
Government payments of GST to prevent financial misappropriation and
ensure worker welfare; and
(c)the details of the policies of the Government being implemented or
planning to inculcate dignity of labour and fair treatment through public
awareness, education reforms and recognition of good labour practices
across sectors?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)
(a) to (c): Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, it has been provided
that the employer shall arrange to pay the amount of the Gratuity within 30
days from the date it becomes payable to the employee.
Social Security schemes like Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi
Maandhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan
Mantri Surakhsa Bima Yojana are meant for all the unorganised workers
including artisans and workers engaged through private agencies. The
Government has fixed the minimum service charge in manpower contract in
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) at 3.85%. Further, the Government
reimburses the amount paid by the contractor as GST after receipt of the
challan of GST payment.
The Government through its institution, Dattopant Thengadi
National Board for Workers Education and Development under the Ministry
of Labour and Employment carries out training Programmes for public
awareness, education reforms, and recognition of good labour practices
across sectors.
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