Dated: 24-10-2008 Rajya Sabha Clears Unorganized Workers Social Security Bill The upper house of the Parliament of India, Rajya Sabha, has passed the Unorganized Workers Social Security Bill. Some amendments suggested by the Left and parliamentary committee have been brought in the bill. The bill provides at least ten social security schemes including pension, maternity insurance, welfare schemes for artisans and weavers, general insurance and health insurance. According to Labour and Employment Minister Oscar Fernandes, the amendments suggested by the standing committee have been incorporated in the bill. The term 'sector' has been replaced by 'labour' to signify a wider group. However, the bill does not incorporate the demand for welfare fund and also drops the social security factors of all who were ignored by the government. Also, the bill does not implement on CPM's suggestion for a time-frame to implement social welfare schemes. Under the new law a 34-member National Social Security Board, headed by the Union Labour Minister will be set up. The new board is planned to take decision on social security schemes for the unorganised sector workers. The decision to set up similar board by the states has also been accepted. According to the Union Labour Minister, the amended bill ensures premium support to all sections of the unorganised sector. Earlier, it was applied only on BPL (below poverty line) workers.