HUBBALLI:
Labour Minister Santosh Lad emphasized the importance of social security for unorganised sector workers, who constitute nearly 90% of India’s workforce. He was speaking after inaugurating a programme to distribute smart cards and raise awareness among unorganised workers in the district.
Lad said over 1.8 crore people have registered on the Centre's e-Shram portal, with 1.6 crore families from the unorganised sector. Among them, 35 to 40 lakh are construction workers. In Dharwad district alone, compensation worth ₹1.8 lakh was distributed across 43 accident cases, and ₹2.9 lakh in educational grants was given to 29 students.
He added that a proposal to levy a 1–2% cess on cinema tickets under the "cine bill" is under consideration. Under the Karnataka Motor Transport and Other Allied Workers Social Security and Welfare Board, 10.5 lakh workers have registered statewide. In the district, 1,51,675 workers have been registered and are receiving smart cards. Lad also highlighted that 33 meetings have been held to address the concerns of gig workers.
MLA Mahesh Tenginakai praised Lad’s efforts, stating that despite political differences, such initiatives must reach people in villages. “Lad brought three significant bills that received support across party lines. Leaders may come and go, but our duty is to serve the people,” he said, reaffirming his support for the welfare programmes in his constituency.