Odisha CM Expands Social Security Scheme for Unorganized Workers, Boosts Assistance Amounts

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has taken a significant step to enhance the welfare of unorganized workers in the state. The Odisha Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Board Welfare Scheme has been expanded to include an additional 50 categories of unorganized workers, providing support to a larger segment of the workforce.

One notable improvement is the increase in the assistance amount for families of deceased workers registered with the board. In case of accidental death, the assistance amount has been raised from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh, and for natural deaths, it has been hiked from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.

Since its inception in May 2017, the scheme has benefited around 3.65 lakh registered workers from 10 categories. However, with the inclusion of 50 more categories of unorganized workers, its reach is set to expand, fostering a safer and more secure working environment for the labour force in the state.

The 50 new categories are:

• Tailors, embroidery artisans
• Bariks, employees working in spas, salons, and beauty parlours
• Maharana
• Fishermen
• Blacksmiths
• Railway coolies
• Potters
• Stone Carvers and assistants
• Lace-makers
• Sanitary workers
• Laundry and dry cleaners
• Weavers, handicrafts, and handicraftsmen
• Carpentry workers
• Folk art artists
• Painters/painters
• Butchers
• Gemstone workers and goldsmiths
• Hotels, restaurants, and Bricklayers
• Photographers and videographers
• Welders, welding assistants
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Toolmakers
• Dye makers
• Painters
• Mechanical and preparatory electrical equipment repairman
• Gardener
• Furniture repair worker
• Work assistant in grocery and household store
• Florist
• Tent house/decoration worker
• Trade union member
• Entertainers
• Musicians and singers
• Film operators/assistants
• Cinema hall booking clerks
• Workers engaged in making musical instruments
• All types of artisans
• Plantation workers, employed labourers
• Boatman/helper
• Snacks mixture factory worker
• Pickle, Badi, papad maker
• Saw-mill worker
• Milk vendor
• Caretaker/housekeeper/bedside attendant
• Cake/candy maker
• Ice maker/Ice cream maker
• Dairy product maker
• Travel & tour guide
• Delivery boy
• Agricultural labourer, cultivator