Lockdown Turning into Humanitarian Crisis
The Pandemics exposed Industrialist Apathy towards Migrant Workers. Statistically, almost industrialist and government social security plans are invisible. It seems that India’s Social security and welfare measures for employees below the poverty line. However, a lockdown is necessary but going to be difficult for those without a social and economic cushion.
Government Measures in Pandemic Situation-
Instruction and guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, all workers should be treated with equality, dignity. To monitor and comply with all requirements established by national authorities. Conduct a rapid assessment of existing health and safety and social protection (SOP) of the worker at the workplace. Do not deduction in wages and lay off.
Employer genuinely not be in a position to pay –
At a time when companies are incurring losses because of zero revenues during the lockdown and many industrialists, corporates have already announced salary cuts, some asked the employee to leave/resignation, some on sabbatical leave.
Employer Responsibility Towards the employee at least
According to MHA guidelines establishments to pay workers without deductions, strict action for violation. Labor law in India to protect rights of workmen so how are layoffs still happening? And we are seeing companies are able to cut cost many creative ways. Seriously, there is no moral responsibility of an employer for their employee. On behalf of a business slowdown, they are asking for resignation and sabbatical leave. Even the government and judiciary not intervening in this matter.
Some questions arise in my mind----As a Suggestion for minimal advantages for exempted, unorganized workers, self- employed.
- Is there no middle way to solve this problem?
- Is there no any social security plan for them (excluded covered PF & ESI)?
- Can we plan 1% social security scheme for those who are exempted under (PF, ESI, LWF) because of the wage ceiling?
- Eg:- {Under this 1% contribution scheme we can plan to cover medical and pension both}.
Here I am trying to show a difference between Employee and Employer conditions in this pandemic.
Somewhere state government and authorities failed to implement or sidelined the MAH guidelines for personal interest and forgot that migrant workers who are playing major role in the economy have no money for paying rent and chance to return back to their home. It also shows a lack of potential to dealing with industrialists on belhalf of the daily wage earners and become the savior of elitist group.