The Karnataka Government on Saturday welcomed the UPA government’s decision to extend the benefits of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) to workers in the unorganised sector.
“It is a good move. I thank Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Minister for Labour and Employment M. Mallikarjun Kharge for the decision”, State Labour Minister B. N. Bacchegowda told reporters here.
However the present decision to cover about 10 lakh employees would be inadequate as there are lakhs of workers in the unorganised sector, he said and demanded that efforts be made to extend the facility to more workers, he said.
The Minister said the government has decided to reserve five per cent of seats for children of those who agree to give their land for construction of ITIs.
The government in its 2010—11 budget proposed to start 1,000 ITIs.
Mr. Bacchegowda said there are plans to set up a “Gurukula” type training centre for artisans, named after legendary sculptor Amarashilpi Jakanachari, who made the famous temple at Belur in Hassan district during the Hoysala dynasty rule.
Jakanachari’s statue would be installed at his birthplace Kaidala in Tumkur district, he said.
