Labour Rights and Artisan Welfare in Modern India

Recent festivals like Dussehra, Diwali and Chhath Puja have seen a massive movement of migrant workers returning home. Around 2.5 to 3 crore people travel mainly to eastern states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Nepal. Indian Railways and other transport sectors have ramped up services to meet this demand. This seasonal migration marks the crucial role of migrant labour in urban and industrial economies. However, these workers often face severe hardships due to informal employment and lack of social security.

Migrant Labour and Seasonal Employment

Migrant workers form the backbone of many metropolitan cities. Most work in unorganised or semi-organised sectors which account for about 90% of India’s workforce. Their jobs are often seasonal and insecure. Exploitation by employers, manpower agencies and intermediaries is widespread. Workers frequently lack access to basic rights such as minimum wages, provident fund, gratuity and medical benefits. The systemic neglect of their welfare reflects a failure of societal and governmental responsibility.

Government Schemes for Artisans

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana supports artisans across 18 disciplines. It offers collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakh repayable in 18 months, skill development, modern tools and market linkages. Till September 2025, 2.7 crore applications were received and about 30 lakh artisans registered. Additional funding exists for training centres and stipends. Despite this, greater outreach and efficiency are needed to uplift traditional craftsmen and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Challenges in Private Sector Employment

Private agencies supply large numbers of skilled and unskilled workers to businesses and residential bodies. These workers often miss out on legal benefits due to low service charges and contractual loopholes. Current service charges on government e-market portals stand at 3.85%, which is insufficient to maintain worker protections. Suggestions include raising charges to 8-10%, removing human interference in compliance processes and fixing strict timelines for dispute resolution. Mandating employers to directly pay GST could prevent tax evasion and ensure transparency.

Social Attitudes Towards Labour

Many daily wage workers such as vegetable vendors, rickshaw drivers and domestic helpers face disrespect and underpayment. Society tends to undervalue manual labour despite depending heavily on it. This reflects poorly on cultural values and ethics. There is an urgent need for education systems and public awareness campaigns to promote dignity of labour. Incorporating practical exposure and recognising good labour practices can encourage appreciation and respect for workers.

Policy Recommendations for Labour Welfare

Gratuity laws should be amended to ensure timely payment annually rather than only at the end of service. This will prevent denial of rightful benefits. Strengthening enforcement of minimum wages and social security schemes is critical. Institutionalising awards and public recognition for ethical labour practices can incentivise better treatment of workers. Building a culture of kindness and respect towards labourers is essential for India’s vision of a developed nation.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss in the light of India’s unorganised workforce the challenges faced by migrant labour and measures to improve their social security.
2. Critically examine the effectiveness of government schemes like PM Vishwakarma Yojana in supporting traditional artisans and craftsmen.
3. Explain the role of private manpower agencies in India’s labour market and discuss regulatory reforms needed to protect workers’ rights.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of inculcating the dignity of labour in educational curricula and public consciousness.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss in the light of India’s unorganised workforce the challenges faced by migrant labour and measures to improve their social security.

1. Migrant labour mainly works in unorganised/semi-organised sectors, comprising about 90% of India’s workforce.
2. Challenges include seasonal employment, job insecurity, lack of minimum wages, provident fund, gratuity, medical benefits.
3. Exploitation by employers, manpower agencies, and intermediaries is widespread, with poor enforcement of labour laws.
4. Massive migration during festivals marks their economic importance but also their vulnerable conditions.
5. Measures needed – strengthened social security schemes, better legal enforcement, direct benefit transfers, awareness campaigns.
6. Government and society must collaborate to provide decent work conditions and reduce exploitation.

2. Critically examine the effectiveness of government schemes like PM Vishwakarma Yojana in supporting traditional artisans and craftsmen.

1. PM Vishwakarma Yojana targets 18 artisan disciplines with collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakh, repayable in 18 months.
2. It provides skill development, modern tools grants (₹15,000), market linkages, and training stipends.
3. Till Sept 2025, 2.7 crore applications received; about 30 lakh artisans registered—showing good outreach but low conversion rate.
4. Challenges include limited coverage, delays in delivery, and need for better efficiency and wider awareness.
5. State-level schemes complement but overall upliftment requires enhanced funding, monitoring, and market integration.
6. Scheme is promising but needs scaling and systemic improvements to ensure sustainable livelihoods for artisans.

3. Explain the role of private manpower agencies in India’s labour market and discuss regulatory reforms needed to protect workers’ rights.

1. Private agencies supply skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled labour to businesses, RWAs, and commercial establishments.
2. Workers often denied full legal benefits (minimum wages, provident fund, gratuity, medical insurance) due to low service charges.
3. Current service charge (3.85%) insufficient; recommendation to raise it to 8-10% to ensure adequate worker protections.
4. Need to eliminate human interference in compliance, fix strict dispute resolution timelines, and mandate direct GST payments by employers.
5. Reforms will reduce exploitation, improve transparency, and ensure timely payment of benefits like gratuity annually.
6. Stronger regulatory oversight and accountability needed for safeguarding vulnerable workers in private sector.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of inculcating the dignity of labour in educational curricula and public consciousness.

1. Manual workers like vegetable vendors, rickshaw drivers, domestic helpers face disrespect and underpayment despite essential roles.
2. Societal tendency to undervalue labour reflects poor cultural values and lack of empathy.
3. Incorporating dignity of labour in school/college curricula through practical exposure can build respect and awareness early.
4. Public campaigns and folklore, festive traditions emphasize respect for work and workers, reinforcing civilisational ethics.
5. Recognising and rewarding good labour practices in industries promotes positive attitudes and ethical behaviour.
6. Fostering kindness and appreciation for labour supports social harmony and aligns with India’s vision of a developed nation.