Parliament Question: Welfare measures for urban workers in Bihar

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1538 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2026 WELFARE MEASURES FOR URBAN WORKERS IN BIHAR 1538. SHRI AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH: Will the Minister of Labour and Employment be pleased to state: (a)whether Government is aware that a large section of urban workers in Patna, particularly those engaged in construction, transport and service sectors, remain outside comprehensive social security coverage; (b) the number of workers registered on e-Shram portal in Patna district and the benefits extended to them, so far; (c) whether complaints regarding non-payment of wages, lack of insurance cover and unsafe working conditions have been received; and (d) the steps taken to strengthen the enforcement of labour laws, expand social security schemes and improve welfare delivery for unorganised and migrant workers in urban Bihar? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE) (a) to (d): The Central Government is committed to the protection and promotion of welfare, social security, safety and health of workers, including those engaged in construction, transport and service sectors. Provisions relating to social security, safety and health of workers have been incorporated under the Code on Social Security, 2020 (CoSS Code, 2020) and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH&WC Code, 2020), which have come into force w.e.f. 21.11.2025. A total number of 13,46,256 workers are registered on the e-Shram Portal in Patna District, Bihar. The details regarding to extension of benefits of the scheme viz. accidental benefits, pension, insurance etc., payment of wages, grievances related to working condition, is maintained by the respective State. Contd..2/-:: 2 :: In order to safeguard the interest of the Inter-State Migrant Workers (ISMW), suitable provisions have been incorporated in OSH &WC Code, 2020. Regular inspections are conducted by the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) [CLC(C)] Organization for enforcement of labour laws, as per the inspection scheme of the Central Government, in the Central Sphere. Enforcement of labour laws in the State Sphere is the responsibility of the respective State Governments. To strengthen welfare delivery in the State of Bihar, enforcement agencies under the State Government have been empowered under relevant labour laws, and officials have been notified as competent authorities for the implementation of social security schemes. Further, to enhance welfare delivery for unorganized urban workers in Bihar, the State Government is prioritizing the transition from offline processes to digital, online services through the Right to Public Service (RTPS) Portal. *****