A major problem that the country and the current workforce faces in terms of availing the benefits provided under certain government schemes is the large sector of workers that come under the informal sector. A large portion of labour is unregulated, a reason that paves way for overworking in proper conditions, lower wages, non-availability of medical provisions, etc.
Recently, the Orissa government has taken a significant step in formalizing yet another occupation under the sector – The newspaper hawker. An excellent idea of good governance, relief, and other measures have been announced for them. Under this step, all such hawkers will be identified, registered and the record will be stored digitally by the Information and Public Relations department. They will also be issued an identity card that will be maintained digitally by the department.
As per a statement by the Chief Minister’s Office, the newspaper hawkers that have been registered and provided with IDs will be given social security by the Odisha Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Board (OUWSSB). Under the scheme, in the event of a hawker’s accidental death, an assistance of Rs 2 lakh, and in the case of natural death, an assistance of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to the dependant family.
Of further benefits under the scheme, if a hawker meets with an accident and suffers a permanent disability, they will be provided assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh. In case one suffers a partial disability, like the loss of one limb, or both limbs, the person will be provided an assistance of Rs 80,000 (for both limbs) assistance of Rs 40,000 (for one limb). Odisha government will also be providing one special assistance of Rs 3,000 to each and every registered newspaper hawker in two phases from the Chief Ministers’ Relief Fund. The statement had further mentioned how the pandemic affected newspaper circulation, and further, the hawkers suffered due to this. As they perform a crucial function in the everyday life, it was felt necessary that they are covered under a social security scheme.
