Alleviation: An International Journal of Nutrition, Gender & Social Development, ISSN 2348-9340 Volume 6, Number 6 (2019), 1-9
© Arya PG College, Panipat & Business Press India Publication, Delhi
www.aryapgcollege.com

Role of Local, National and International Organizations Working for the Promotion of Safety, Health and Welfare of Women Engaged in Unorganized Sector

Sapna Devi
Assistant Professor in Commerce
Jeevan Chanan PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Assandh, Karnal
( Haryana), India
Email: turansapna@gmail.com

Abstract

Women’s concerns are still given second priority almost everywhere despite the advances women have made in many societies. They continue to face discrimination and marginalization both subtle and blatant and do not share equally the fruits of development. Women workers in unorganized sector lag behind the males in terms of level and quality of employment. Most of the women are found to be employed in agricultural activities and in the unorganized sector. There are lot of problems faced by women workers in unorganized sector in India. Women in unorganized sector require social security and there is a need to address issues of leave, wages, working conditions, pension, housing, child care, health benefits, maternity benefits, safety and occupational health. Objectives of the study are to know what measures can be taken to improve their occupational health, safety and welfare in unorganized sector and role of different agencies to improve the position of women workers in unorganized sector in India. Descriptive research has been made. Secondary data were collected from various journals, articles, and economic reports. In conclusion about this research study, it was found that the unorganized sector occupied a significant position in Indian economy. The central government enacted several social security laws to protect the interests of workers both in organized and unorganized sectors. Apart from this, statutory welfare funds such as Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1976; Lime Stone and the Dolomite Mines Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1976; Social Security Act, 2008 etc. have been enacted to apply to the special categories of workers in the unorganized sector with a view to provide housing, medical, recreational, educational, family welfare and other welfare facilities

Keywords: Unorganized, Women Workers, Welfare, Social Security.

Introduction
Various studies have shown that economic dependence of women is predominant cause of their subordination. Thus, a change in the structure of the economy, whereby women are assigned a major productive role would be a way to improve their status. Economic independence is a foundation on which any structure of equality for women can be built. Hence the employment of women have opened up new vistas for women; shifting interest from household duties to work outside. In the modern world, women have to perform dual responsibilities in being a house wife, a mother as well as an employee and a producer of income for her family. Society being male dominated, women workers receive still poor recognition and value especially in the informal sector, the double burden of combining the tasks of production and reproduction is even more arduous despite the statutory provisions to ensure fair working conditions for women in India and also the specific provisions for the protection and welfare of women workers (http://deshkalindia.com/publisher).
Due to steady decline in the growth of the formal sector, a larger section of the growing labor force is being absorbed in informal sector, resulting in a progressive increase in employment in that sector. Generally, major section of the informal workers are either absorbed in the agricultural sector or in traditional crafts, village and cottage industries or they migrate to cities to do different types of informal jobs like rickshaw puller, weight carrier, waiters in different restaurants, vendors etc. The proportion of women in the country’s workforce has increased during the last three decades. The great majority of women in India do home-based work, are self employed, employed in household enterprises, small units, on land as agricultural workers, as labourers on construction sites, as domestic workers and in many other forms of temporary employment, in rural as well as urban areas.
Methodology
Descriptive research has been used. Secondary data were collected from various journals, articles and economic reports. Observation method has been used to know the problems faced by women workers in unorganized sector. Information was collected by using interview method also.
Legislations Relating to Occupational Safety and Health in India
1. The Factories Act, 1948 and the State Rules notified there under
2. The Dock Workers (Safety, Health & Welfare) Act, 1986 and the Regulations framed there under
3. The Mines Act, 1952 and the Rules framed there under
4. The Plantation Labour Act, 1951
5. The Shop and Establishments Act, 1958
6. The Explosives Act, 1884 and the Rules framed there under
7. The Petroleum Act, 1934 and the Rules framed there under
8. The Insecticides Act, 1968 and the Rules framed there under
9. The Indian Electricity Act, 1910 and the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956
10. The Indian Boilers Act, 1923 and the Indian Boilers Regulations
11. The Dangerous Machines (Regulation) Act, 1983
12.The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Manufacture, Storage & Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 and other Rules framed thereunder
13. The Indian Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Factories Rules framed there under
Results and Discussion
Unorganized labour in the country remained a neglected lot especially for the lack of protection on safety and health. The following 6 sectors have been identified for strengthening OSH (Occupational Safety and Health):
Agriculture Sector
It is one of the most hazardous occupations and it includes hazards which primarily are caused by:
• Agriculture hand-tools and implements such as pick-axe, spade, sickle etc.
• Farm machinery – tractors, threshers, fodder chopping machines, etc.
• Chemical agents – pesticides, fertilizers, strong weed killers, etc.
• Climatic agents – high temperature, heavy rain, humidity, high velocity wind/storm, lightening, etc.
• Electricity
• Animal/snake bites
• Other agents-dust, solar radiation, etc.
The Insecticides Act, 1968 and the Dangerous Machines (Regulation) Act, 1983 and their rules are the two legislations presently applicable to specific aspects of the agricultural operations. The enforcement of these act lies with the State Agriculture Departments. India has also recently supported a Convention for the safety of Agricultural workers. A national policy on OSH matters for the Agricultural labour would also need to be drawn up.
Specific Recommendations for Improving OSH Standard in this Sector are:
Amendments to the Dangerous Machines (Regulation) Act, 1983 in the form of a notification in the Gazette, the scope of suitability to cover more machinery being used in the agricultural sector. Suitable amendments on the matters relating to safety and health aspect may be considered. Amendment to section 36 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, which would include the use and provision suitable for personal protective equipments while applying the substance by spray etc., is suggested.
Notifications to the Plantation Labour Act, 1951 and Rules framed there under, for enlarging its scope to cover lesser land holdings and fewer number of persons employed may be considered. Also occupational safety and health aspects may be included.
Construction Sector
This is one of the most vulnerable segments of the unorganized labour in our country. A large number of workers in this sector are vulnerable to the vagaries of workplace accidents and occupational health problems. They are exposed to a wide variety of serious OSH hazards and the rate of fatal accidents in this industry is 4 to 5 times that of manufacturing sector. The workers are also exposed to a host of hazardous substances, which have a potential to cause serious occupational diseases such as asbestosis, silicosis, lead poisoning etc. There is also a serious potential for fires due to storage and use of flammable substances and a potential for disasters due to collapse of the structures and subsidence of the soil on which the construction activity is being carried. The Building and other Construction Workers (Regulation for Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 was promulgated in 1996 and Central Rules under this Act were notified in 1998. Except for Kerala and Karnataka, no other state has notified these rules.
Specific recommendations for Improving OSH Standard in this Sector are:
The scope of the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act be enlarged by suitably reducing the existing eligibility criteria to 5 workers and making appointment of safety officers by the employers of establishments employing 100 workers and above as a statutory obligation.
The Act applicable to the construction sector is presently overseen by non-technical department. In order to supplement their efforts in inspection, the existing professional bodies/organizations, may be associated to oversee technical inspections and investigation of accidents.
DGFASLI (Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes) and professional independent bodies/organizations should organize trainers’ training programme for education officers and Central Board of Workers Education and Supervisory and Management personnel from industry.
The Central Board of Workers Education under the Ministry of Labour may be given the task of training of construction workers in collaboration with professional independent institutes involved in construction safety.
Shops and Establishments
Shops and establishments are covered under the Shops and Establishment Act enacted by the various State Governments in 1958. The enforcement of these Statutes has been entrusted to either the State Labour Commissioner or the local authorities. There is a separate chapter on Health and Safety providing for cleanliness, ventilation, lighting and precautions against fire and first aid facilities at the workplace as prescribed under Statute.
Specific Recommendations for Improving OSH Standard in this Sector are:
To protect the workers from electrical/mechanical hazards, an amendment may be made to the Shops and Establishment Acts of the State Governments. Similarly, for operation and maintenance of lifts, as well as maintenance of building for carrying out additional construction, white washing etc. adequate safety provisions should be incorporated in the rules. In short, there is a need to amend the existing provisions under the act and rules to be amended suitably to cover the safety, health and welfare of large number of workers employed in this sector.
The shops and establishments carrying out electrical and mechanical repair work, small garages, air conditioner/refrigerator repair shops, etc., may be brought under the purview of the Factories Act.
The enforcement officials from the enforcement agencies of Agriculture Departments may be trained on OHS aspects and inspection strategy and guidelines on OHS may be developed.
Beedi and Cigar Manufacturing
About 90 per cent of the workforce is home workers and majority of them are women. The remaining 10 per cent are employed as factory workers for whom the provisions of the Factories Act are applicable. The Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966 is applicable to this sector which includes home workers as well and the legislation is enforced by the State Commissioners of Labour.
Specific Recommendations for Improving OSH Standard in this Sector are
Amendment may be carried out to the Beedi and Cigar Workers Act, 1966 (Conditions of Employment and Health) incorporating safety, in case of any mechanized work activity that is carried on. A provision on ventilation, lighting and fire safety can be also made to ensure better and safe working conditions. Furthermore, in addition to the existing provisions, suitable provision may be incorporated in the Act and Rules making it mandatory to carry out periodical health check-up of the workers (As provided under Sec.44).
Home Work Sector
After assessing the problem through studies and surveys, simple booklets and training material may be prepared. For disseminating information on occupational safety, health and environmental awareness campaigns should be conducted for the benefit of those who are engaged.
Eating Place Sector
All the eating places, which are beyond the notified areas and not covered by any statute, may be brought under the Shops and Establishments Acts of the State Governments or the Factories Act through an amendment/notification.
Waste Management Sector
Citizen’s active participation and effective coordination with all agencies concerned and NGOs is suggested. Safety Awareness Programmes may be organized for NGOs and waste collectors.
Conclusion
Women workforce is playing an important role in the development of Indian economy. Women workers in the unorganized sector are facing many problems related to their safety and health. Hence, appropriate efforts should be taken to make women employees conscious about their rights for improvement in socio economic conditions.
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