Introduction
Urban unorganised labour refers to workers employed in the informal sector in cities and towns. These include daily wage labourers, construction workers, domestic helpers, street vendors, rickshaw pullers, delivery agents, and many others who lack formal job contracts and social security. Though they form a large part of India’s urban economy, they face several challenges and live in highly insecure conditions.
Main Characteristics of Urban Unorganised Labour
- No formal employment contract or job security
- Low and irregular wages
- No access to health insurance, pension, or paid leave
- Poor working and living conditions
Major Problems Faced by Urban Unorganised Workers
1. Lack of Social Security
Most workers in this sector are not covered under schemes like Provident Fund (PF), Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), or health insurance. In times of illness or old age, they are left with no financial support.
2. Low and Unstable Income
They are often paid daily or weekly and their income depends on demand. During off-seasons or crises like COVID-19, many lose their jobs overnight.
3. Unsafe Working Conditions
They work in hazardous environments such as construction sites or crowded factories without safety gear, leading to accidents and health issues.
4. No Legal Protection
Since they are not formally registered, they cannot demand minimum wages or complain against exploitation. Women workers often face harassment and discrimination.
5. Poor Living Conditions
Most live in slums or rented rooms in congested urban areas without proper water, sanitation, or electricity.
6. Lack of Skill Development
They often lack formal education or technical skills, limiting their opportunities for better jobs.
Government Initiatives
- e-Shram Portal: A national database for unorganised workers to help them access social welfare schemes.
- PM-SVANidhi Scheme: Provides micro-credit to street vendors to restart their businesses.
- Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCW): Offers benefits like health care and insurance to registered construction workers.
Challenges in Implementation
- Lack of awareness among workers about government schemes
- Difficulty in identifying and registering informal workers
- Inadequate funding and poor monitoring
Conclusion
The urban unorganised labour sector is the backbone of city life and the informal economy. Yet, these workers remain highly vulnerable. To improve their lives, there must be strong policies for social protection, better working conditions, legal rights, and skill training. Empowering them will lead to a more just, inclusive, and productive urban society.