The RSS frontal organisations have raised concerns with the BJP over the employee benefits schemes like the ESI and EPF, saying these should not be diluted. Sangh's trade union— Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh—told BJP chief Amit Shah that some of the proposed changes in the social security schemes would hit the workers hard.
A four-day review meeting between the RSS and the BJP leaders including the ministers is on in Delhi. The various frontal bodies have brought their suggestions and concerns to the notice of the government. The meeting will deliberate on social, financial, educational issues.
The BMS said Shah assured them that the ESI and EPF schemes will not be disturbed at any cost in the new Labour Code on Social Security, 2018. BMS president Saji Narayanan C.K. and organising secretary B. Surendra held talks with Amit Shah.
BMS said the new social security code was a major step that would give about 14 benefits to the 43 crore unorganised workers. However, they added that there were many anti-worker provisions in the new scheme.
“One apprehension is about dismantling ESI and EPF schemes, merging it with the new social security scheme and dividing its lakhs of crores of funds to state social security boards. This is feared to result in cross subsidisation, meaning the entire funds will be depleted for the benefit of unorganised workers who may not be paying any contribution. Both are some of the largest social security schemes in the world and doing good service to organised sector workers,” the
BMS leaders said.
The BMS leaders told Shah about going strikes by various workers. “Shah assured us that government will work on settling the issues and increasing the wages of scheme workers like aganwadi and asha. Shah said the government will immediately call a meeting of scheme workers in this regard.”
BMS leaders also discussed anti workers reforms which has created resentment among workers. Regarding labour reforms, Shah said any changes in labour laws and reforms will be done only after proper consultation with Trade Unions.