* Govt introduces amended Unorganised Sectors' bill in RS
Minister for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes today introduced the amended Unorganised Sector Workers' Social Security Bill in Rajya Sabha.

The Bill aims to provide social security to workers by introducing various schemes for their welfare.

Mr Fernandes said the amendments had been suggested by the Standing Committee of the ministry of Labour and Employment keeping in view recommendations stated earlier by the Arjun Sengupta-led National Commission For Enterprises In The Unorganised Sector (NCEUS).

Two major recommendations by the NCEUS pertaining to separate social security bills for farmers and industrial workers and to creating a National Social Security and Welfare Fund were not accepted by the government.

Ten social security schemes relating to old age pension, welfare schemes for artisans and handloom weavers, general insurance and health insurance, maternity insurance have also been incorporated in the amended Bill. Rajya Sabha Members criticised the Bill introduced, saying it excluded a large number of workers in the informal sector.

There was also a demand for separate legislation for agricultural labourers.