question_answer

How can workers be protected in the unorganized sector?

Answer:

                There is a need for protection and support of the workers in the unorganized sector. (i) In rural areas: (a) In the rural areas, the unorganized sector mostly comprises of landless agricultural labourers, small and marginal farmers, share croppers and artis (b) Nearly 80 per cent of the rural households in India are in small and marginal farmer category. (c) These farmers need to be supported through timely provision of seeds, agricultural inputs, credits, storage facilities and marketing outlets, etc. (ii) In urban areas: (a) In the urban areas, the unorganized sector comprises mainly of the workers in small-scale industries, casual workers in construction, trade and transport, etc., and those who work as street vendors, head load porters and rag pickers, etc. (b) Small-scale industries also need government's support for procuring and processing raw material and for marketing of output. (c) The casual workers are required to be protected in their jobs and wages. (iii) SC's and ST's: (a) Majority of workers from the scheduled castes, tribes and backward communities find themselves in the unorganized sector. (b) Besides getting the irregular and low-paid work, these workers also face social discrimination. (c) Protection and support to the unorganized sector workers is thus, necessary for both economic and social development.