Urgent Calls for Enhanced Social Security in Lok Sabha: A Workforce in Need

Urgent Calls for Enhanced Social Security in Lok Sabha: A Workforce in Need

In the Lok Sabha, calls for improved social security, focusing on pension schemes and worker welfare, highlighted urgent workforce issues and health impacts.

Emilio Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Emimlio Juan Brignardello Vela

Emilio Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Health

During the recent Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, a significant discussion unfolded regarding the urgent need for enhanced social security measures for the workforce, particularly focusing on the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), the working conditions in multinational corporations, and the welfare of technicians and support staff in the film and television industry. N.K. Premachandran, a member of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), took the floor to call on the government to take immediate action regarding the EPS. He highlighted the Supreme Court's approval in 2022 for an enhanced pension scheme but lamented that the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) had only granted higher pensions to a mere 8,401 out of the 17,48,775 applicants by August 7, 2024. His remarks underscored the glaring disparity between the number of applicants and those who actually benefit from the scheme, raising questions about the government's commitment to social security for retired workers. In a parallel discussion, BJP MP Arun Govil urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, along with the Labour Ministry, to step in and ensure that technicians and support staff in the film and television sectors receive adequate social security and standardized contracts. He accused producers of exploiting these workers and stressed the need for proper enforcement of labour laws within the industry. Govil’s demands included the establishment of overtime payments, provident fund contributions, and healthcare benefits for employees, all of which are critical for improving working conditions and ensuring fair treatment for those in the creative arts. Additionally, the discourse touched on broader issues of workplace culture. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal raised concerns about the lack of affordable travel options for workers from Kerala, particularly as festivals like Christmas and New Year approach. He urged the government to deploy special trains to facilitate travel for those working in other states, emphasizing the need for accessible transportation during peak holiday seasons. Adding a poignant note to the discussion, Hibi Eden, a Congress MP representing Ernakulam, referenced the tragic and untimely death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant who passed away while working for Ernst & Young in Pune. Eden's comments shone a light on the detrimental effects of corporate work culture on the health and well-being of young professionals, prompting a vital conversation about mental health and employee welfare in high-pressure environments. His remarks echoed a growing concern regarding the balance between productivity and the welfare of employees in corporate sectors. As the Lok Sabha session unfolded, it became increasingly clear that workforce issues, from pensions to health impacts of work culture, are at the forefront of parliamentary concern. The calls for immediate government action reflect a broader recognition of the need for comprehensive social security measures that protect all workers in India's diverse and rapidly evolving job market.

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