How can workers be protected in the unorganised sector?
Or
Why is agriculture an activity of unorganised sector in India? Explain.
Answer:
There is a need for protection and support of the workers in the unorganised sector.
In rural areas:
- In the rural areas, the unorganised sector mostly comprises of landless agricultural labourers, small and marginal farmers, sharecroppers and artisans.
- Nearly 80 per cent of the rural households in India are in small and marginal farmer category.
- These farmers need to be supported through timely provision of seeds, agricultural inputs, credits, storage facilities and marketing outlets, etc.
In urban areas:
- In the urban areas, the unorganised sector comprises mainly of the workers in small- scale industries, casual workers in construction, trade and transport, etc., and those who work as street vendors, head load porters and rag pickers, etc.
- Small-scale industries also need government’s support for procuring and processing raw material and for marketing of output.
- The casual workers are required to be protected in their jobs and wages.
SC and STs:
- Majority of workers from the scheduled castes, tribes and backward communities find themselves in the unorganised sector.
- Besides getting the irregular and low-paid work, these workers also face social discrimination.
- Protection and support to the unorganised sector workers is thus, necessary for both economic and social development.