More focus on unorganised workers, says Dattatreya

Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya on Saturday said that the Central government would focus on offering social security for workers from the unorganised sector.

Talking to newsmen on sidelines of his visit to the ESI Hospital in Tirupati, Mr. Dattatreya asserted that all the necessary help (from Central government) would be extended to Andhra Pradesh. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking special steps to establish the sanctioned educational institutions and other developmental aspects,” he maintained.

With respect to the upcoming budget session, Mr. Dattatreya said that the welfare of workers, particularly the ones from the unorganised sector, would be the main priority. “Steps would be taken to provide social security to all workers without any disparities, and also include them under ESI health services. In addition to this, we are planning to introduce a legislation for ‘minimum wages’ for workers and distribute smart cards,” he remarked.

Pointing out to the Skill India, Digital India and Make in India campaigns introduced by the Central government, Mr. Dattatreya maintained that the programmes would not only focus on the welfare of beneficiaries but also contribute towards generating employment. He further underlined that infrastructure and services of ESI Hospitals across the State would be developed on par with the best hospitals across the State.

Earlier, Mr. Dattatreya inspected the premises of the new building being constructed beside the old hospital. The new ESI Hospital building would be fully furnished and opened by December 2016.