Bihar Minister Pushes for ‘One Nation One Labor Card’ to Secure Migrant Workers’ Rights

Patna: Labor Resources Minister Santosh Kumar Singh held a press conference at Pratibimb Auditorium in Niyojan Bhawan, emphasizing the need for a “One Nation One Labor Card” policy. He stated that such a system would ensure social security for workers across the country, particularly benefiting those from Bihar who migrate to other states for employment. The event also saw the release of the department’s annual table-top calendar and diary. Secretary Deepak Anand, Labor Commissioner Rajesh Bharti, Special Secretary Alok Kumar, Director of Planning and Training Shyam Bihari Meena, and Joint Secretary Rajiv Ranjan were present.

Singh highlighted the challenges faced by migrant workers, explaining that when laborers from Bihar work in other states, their labor cess contributes to the development of those states, yet they are often deprived of their rights and benefits. He stressed that the absence of a unified labor card prevents them from accessing welfare schemes available in their home state. If implemented, this policy would provide equal benefits to workers in both organized and unorganized sectors, regardless of their location.

The minister informed that Union Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has assured consideration of this demand. Singh pointed out that a large number of Bihar’s construction workers are employed in states like Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, playing a crucial role in their infrastructure development. However, these workers are often not registered in local Workers’ Welfare Boards and remain outside the scope of social security schemes. He proposed the creation of a PAN India Portal to maintain a centralized database of registered construction workers, allowing states to verify beneficiaries and ensure the portability of welfare schemes.

Department Secretary Deepak Anand explained that the Ministry of Labor and Employment could issue directives under Section 60 of the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Service Conditions) Act, 1996, to standardize these schemes across states. He emphasized the need for uniform eligibility criteria and grant amounts to ensure fair access to benefits like accident grants, pensions, housing loans, group insurance, education assistance, medical aid, and maternity benefits. He also mentioned that linking Ayushman Bharat hospitals with the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) network would enhance healthcare access for insured workers. The formation of the Bihar ESI Society is underway and will be operational soon.