Scribd
Upload
7 views

Assignment 4 - Labour Issues in India.

Labour issues in india

Uploaded by

23155.vanshitha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
7 views

Assignment 4 - Labour Issues in India.

Labour issues in india

Uploaded by

23155.vanshitha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON

LABOURERS
This essay focuses on the huge difficulties
Labour issues in india that India’s workers have confronted during
the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vanshitha Vishnu Darira


The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a massive disruption in the lives and livelihoods of
millions of people around the world, but especially for the migrant workers who are often the
most vulnerable and marginalized segment of the population. In India, where there are an
estimated 100 million internal migrant workers, the pandemic has exposed the harsh realities
of their living and working conditions, as well as their lack of social protection and legal
rights.

When the Indian government announced a nationwide lockdown in March 2020 to contain
the spread of the virus, many migrant workers were left stranded in their places of work,
without any income, food, or shelter. Some of them tried to return to their native villages, but
faced several challenges such as lack of transportation, police harassment, and discrimination
from their local communities. Many of them had to walk hundreds of kilometers on foot,
risking their health and safety. Some of them died on the way due to exhaustion, hunger, or
accidents.

The lockdown also had a devastating impact on the sectors that employ a large number of
migrant workers, such as construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and domestic work. Many
migrant workers lost their jobs or faced wage cuts, and had no access to social security
benefits or relief measures. Some of them were forced to take up informal or hazardous work
to survive. The pandemic also disrupted their access to essential services such as health care,
education, and banking.

The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the need for urgent reforms in the policies and practices
that affect the migrant workers in India. Some of the possible steps that can be taken are:

Recognizing the contribution of migrant workers to the economy and society, and ensuring
their inclusion and participation in decision-making processes.

Providing universal and portable social security coverage for migrant workers, including
health insurance, unemployment benefits, and pension schemes.
Ensuring fair and timely payment of wages, and protecting migrant workers from exploitation
and abuse by employers and intermediaries.

Improving the living and working conditions of migrant workers, by providing them with
adequate housing, sanitation, water, electricity, and safety measures.

Facilitating safe and dignified mobility of migrant workers, by providing them with
affordable and accessible transportation options, identity documents, and travel passes.

Promoting social cohesion and harmony among migrant workers and their host communities,
by preventing discrimination and violence, and fostering mutual respect and solidarity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the deep inequalities and injustices that migrant
workers face in India. It is time to address these issues and ensure that migrant workers are
treated with dignity and respect.

In conclusion, labour issues in India remain a complex and significant challenge that requires
continuous attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved. The country's
labour landscape is characterized by a diverse range of concerns, including low wages, poor
working conditions, lack of job security, and limited access to social benefits. These issues
are often exacerbated by inadequate enforcement of labour laws, insufficient collective
bargaining power for workers, and a rapidly changing economic environment.

Efforts to address labour issues in India must focus on several key areas. Strengthening
labour laws and their enforcement is crucial to ensuring that workers' rights are protected and
that employers adhere to fair labour practices. Moreover, initiatives aimed at skill
development and vocational training can help bridge the gap between job seekers' skills and
industry demands, thereby enhancing employment prospects and reducing underemployment.

In the coming years, policymakers, employers, workers' representatives, and civil society
must collaborate to address labour challenges comprehensively. By promoting fair labour
practices, ensuring decent wages, and providing adequate social support, India can create a
more equitable and inclusive labour landscape that benefits its workforce and drives
sustainable economic development.
These issues have existed in the Indian ecosystem from decades but have come to light
during the pandemic. Our government must take the opportunity and make required amends
to maintain peace, justice and harmony in the country.

You might also like