Universal healthcare and social security for all 52 crore workers in India is not possible without budgetary support. On the other hand putting various conditions and limitations has deprived the unorganised workers, agriculture workers, migrant workers, domestic workers and MGNREGA workers of many benefits under the Act.
Former Rajya Sabha member, INBCWWF president, national vice-president, State President of INTUC Dr Rama Chandra Khuntia said this while opening and moderating a virtual conference organised by the Global Union Federation.
As per the new rules minimum 500 workers are required for canteen facility in a firm and 200 workers to constitute Safety Committee, whereas earlier in the Building Construction Workers Act it was 250 for canteen. Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Act 1996 was having 251 clauses on health and safety, said Khuntia. He further said 12 hours working hour is not acceptable. It is against the ILO convention and ILO has sent a reference already on the issue, said Khuntia.