DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE
Karnataka aims to ensure proposed gig workers bill is ‘win-win for all’
The Karnataka government is planning to extend social security benefits to platform-based gig workers in Bengaluru. Tech firms have raised concerns, leading to a wider consultation. The proposed bill may include a fee on online transactions to fund welfare expenditure. The initiative follows discussions with various platforms and aims to protect workers' rights.
Nasscom writes to Karnataka CM, raises ‘serious concerns’ over draft gig workers bill
Industry body Nasscom has raised "serious concerns" about the new Karnataka gig workers legislation. The Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2024, aims to ensure basic minimum social security for workers.
India needs national legal, social security architecture for gig workers: Congress
Congress is advocating for a national legal and social security framework for gig workers in India, highlighting Karnataka's proposed Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2024 as a milestone legislation. The bill aims to establish formal rights and social security for platform-based gig workers, including setting up a welfare fund and board, ensuring worker protection and payment regulations. Congress urges the Union Budget to address the growing gig worker population and provide justice through legislation.
Amid rising scams involving electricity bill, Delhi power department orders cos to take extra measures for safety
An elderly doctor in south Delhi lost Rs 6 lakh in an online phishing scam while trying to pay his electricity bill. The Delhi govt's power department has directed electricity distribution companies to enhance security measures, including dedicated helplines and awareness campaigns to empower consumers against fraud.
Tripura govt issues clarification on 'misleading' reports of HIV cases in state
The clarification came days after a senior official of the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) said as many as forty-seven students died from HIV in Tripura, and 828 have tested HIV-positive.
Bengaluru transport officials go on snap drive, seize ‘unauthorised’ bike taxis
Bengaluru authorities seized unauthorized, app-based bike taxis after auto drivers' protests, leading to tension. The Bike Taxi Welfare Association, citing High Court orders, opposed and sought police protection against harassment.
Karnataka extends social security to unorganized transportation workers in a first in India
The State Government has introduced new social security and welfare rules for motor transport and allied workers, aiming to benefit around 5.4 million workers across various sectors of transportation. The rules encompass all workers involved in the sector, including those in ancillary roles like tire repair and wheel balancing. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy expressed confidence that the regulations, a first in the country, will provide security to workers currently outside statutory benefits.
Karnataka releases draft gig workers Bill; seeks comments from platforms, other stakeholders
Karnataka introduced draft Bill for app-based platforms to provide social security benefits to gig workers and sought public feedback. The Bill proposes fee on transactions and penalties for non-compliance. It aims to protect workers' rights and ensure basic social security. It is inspired by Rajasthan law and includes grievance redressal mechanism and prevention of illegal termination. the Bill promises welfare board, fund for gig workers. Discussions have been held with major platforms and International Labour Organisation for input.
Bihar government cancels contracts worth Rs 826 crore awarded during 'Mahagathbandhan' regime
The NDA government in Bihar has cancelled 350 contracts worth Rs 826 crore awarded during the previous RJD-led 'Mahagathbandhan' government due to irregularities in selecting contractors for rural water supply projects. The Public Health Engineering Department uncovered discrepancies and initiated a thorough probe. RJD leaders criticised the cancellations, claiming the NDA is intimidated by the success of the previous government's welfare initiatives.
India's social welfare schemes don't speak to each other: Andaleeb Rahman, Cornell University academic
Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the transfer of funds for PM-Kisan and approved housing assistance under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. In 'The Future of India’s Social Safety Nets,' Andaleeb Rahman and Prabhu Pingali advocate for a systemic approach to social welfare programs.
Assam CM holds flood preparedness meeting at Kaziranga, 3 new commando battalions deployed
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma convened a meeting at Kaziranga to ensure the safety of animals, especially during the flood season. He deployed three new commando battalions to prevent animal accidents and poaching. Additionally, around 600 personnel from a new forest battalion will be deployed. Sarma also addressed the loss of land due to river water flow and announced the formation of a joint task force to study and recommend solutions for soil erosion. To enhance vigilance, 20 marine engine boats will be used, and a commando battalion will be stationed in Bura Chapori.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asks ministers to shun VIP culture
Days after BJP's underwhelming Lok Sabha election results, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath urged ministers to shun VIP culture, prioritise public engagement, and coordinate with local representatives. Deputies Maurya and Pathak were absent, citing prior commitments. Adityanath emphasised the government's focus on public interest, instructed ministers to publicise achievements, and outlined plans for economic growth, public outreach, and problem-solving. He stressed the importance of 'Jan Sunvaai' for prompt grievance redressal.
Rationalisation of govt bodies: WCD ministry 'officially' dissolves Food and Nutrition Board
The Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry has officially dissolved the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), a technical wing of the ministry responsible for providing technical and logistical support for community nutrition programmes. The FNB had a network of offices and quality control laboratories in Delhi, Faridabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. The decision came after a Cabinet meeting in April last year, following recommendations from the Principal Economic Adviser's report on the rationalisation of government bodies.
Diminishing healthcare quality, worsening patient health outcome: Lancet study decries healthcare privatisation
Study in The Lancet magazine reveals that healthcare privatization globally lowers quality of care and worsens patient outcomes. Based on extensive research across high-income nations, it highlights the negative impact of converting public hospitals to private entities and outsourcing services. Concerns raised amid Supreme Court scrutiny over healthcare cost discrepancies
Nitish Kumar distributes portfolios, retains Home, General Administration departments
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar allocates portfolios to NDA ministers; retains Home and General Administration, Samrat Chaudhary gets Finance and Commercial, Vijay Sinha gets Road Construction, Mines and Geology, and Art & Culture. The cabinet expansion comes less than two months after the ministry was formed, with 21 new ministers joining, bringing the total to 30, six below the constitutional limit of 36 for the state.
10 per cent reservation approved for newly added tribes, OBC reservation enhanced to 8 percent in J-K
Jammu and Kashmir administration approves 10% reservation for four new tribes, increasing total ST reservation to 20%. Additionally, 15 new castes added to OBCs with reservation increased to 8%. The move follows Parliament's passage of bills granting OBC reservation in local bodies and adding Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic group to the ST list. The amendments aim to provide equitable representation in government jobs and education for historically marginalized communities.
Delhi govt giving skills training to 1300 beggars identified before G20 Summit: Economic Survey
The Delhi government is providing skills training to over 1,300 beggars identified in a survey. The Department of Social Welfare, along with other departments, is responsible for rehabilitating and relocating beggars based on survey data. The Department of Social Welfare has been designated with the responsibility of providing skills training to the relocated homeless beggars at the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB)-operated night shelters with a focus on integrating them into mainstream society, the report said.
Jharkhand: ED to record 'missing' CM Hemant Soren's statement on Jan 31 at Ranchi residence
An Enforcement Directorate team visited Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's Delhi residence to question him in connection with a money laundering investigation in an alleged land fraud case. Official sources claimed Soren was "missing" and could not be contacted by the federal agency, but a family member alleged that a "false" narrative was being set to "delegitimize" the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader's position.
ED continues to quiz Soren in money laundering case, Section 144 clamped near CM's residence
ED questions Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren at his residence in connection with money laundering case linked to alleged land scam; heavy security deployment; Soren consented after eight summonses; questioning underway for over six hours; body cameras used for security; prohibitory orders imposed; JMM holds meeting; protests staged; 14 people arrested; BJP alleges victim card; Soren's petitions dismissed; ruling coalition holds 47 seats in Jharkhand Assembly.
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