Key Takeaways
- The Odisha Unorganised Workers Social Security Board now includes 50 additional sectors, broadening coverage for informal labourers.
- Compensation for families of deceased workers has been raised to Rs 4 lakh for accidents and Rs 2 lakh for natural deaths.
- Over 3.65 lakh workers are already registered, benefiting from the scheme since its launch in 2017.
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday directed officials to cover workers in 50 more unorganised sectors under the Odisha Unorganised Workers Social Security Board welfare scheme.
With this decision, people working as delivery boys, potters, blacksmiths, pipe mechanics, tailors, barbers, fishermen, and those employed in spas, beauty parlours, and saloons will be covered under the scheme.
This expansion ensures that a wide range of unorganised workers receive social security benefits, strengthening the safety net for vulnerable labour groups.
At present, workers in ten sectors, including street vendors, small shopkeepers, domestic help, rickshawallahs, auto drivers, agricultural workers, forest workers, newspaper hawkers, and sanitation workers, are availing themselves of the facilities given under the scheme.
The Chief Minister hiked the assistance given to the next of kin of workers registered with the Board in case of death in accidents from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh.
Similarly, the assistance given in the event of the natural death of a worker has been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.
Around 3.65 lakh workers registered with the board are getting the facilities launched on May 1, 2017.
