Scheme-based workers in India, who are employed under various government schemes, face numerous challenges related to job security, wages, and working conditions .
Key Problems Faced by Scheme-Based Workers:
- Job Insecurity: One of the most significant issues is the lack of job security . These workers are often hired on a temporary or contractual basis, with no guarantee of continued employment once the scheme concludes or funding runs out . This uncertainty makes it difficult for them to plan their lives and finances .
- Low and Irregular Wages: Scheme workers typically receive low wages, often below the minimum wage . Additionally, payment can be irregular, causing financial hardship and making it difficult for workers to meet their basic needs .
- Lack of Social Security Benefits: Many scheme-based workers are excluded from social security benefits such as pensions, health insurance, and paid leave . This lack of social protection leaves them vulnerable in case of illness, accidents, or old age .
- Poor Working Conditions: Scheme workers often work long hours in difficult conditions, without adequate breaks or access to basic amenities like clean drinking water and sanitation facilities .
- Limited Legal Protection: As they are not always recognized as regular employees, scheme workers have limited legal protection and may find it difficult to assert their rights or seek redress for grievances .
- Lack of Collective Bargaining Power: Scheme workers often lack strong unions or collective bargaining mechanisms to negotiate for better wages and working conditions . This makes it difficult for them to improve their situation .
- Training and Skills Development: Teachers may work hard to create lesson plans that do not resonate with their students .
Impact and Implications:
- Financial Instability: Low and irregular income makes it difficult for scheme workers to escape poverty and improve their living standards .
- Health Issues: Poor working conditions and lack of access to healthcare can lead to health problems among scheme workers .
- Social Exclusion: Exclusion from social security benefits and limited legal protection contribute to the social exclusion of scheme workers .
To address these issues, it is essential to formalize scheme-based employment, ensure fair wages and social security benefits, improve working conditions, and empower workers through collective bargaining .for editorial page click www.eminentnews.com
