Government is making efforts to achieve faster and more inclusive growth, bringing improvement in the living and working conditions of the workers in unorganised sector. It is also equipping youth and new labour market entrants with appropriate skills through various skill development programmes.

Addressing a function of Vishwakarma Rashtriya Puraskar and National Safety Awards in New Delhi, Labour and Employment Minister Mallikarjun Kharge said the Schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Act, MGNREGA, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna has helped in brining stability to the rural labour market.

These schemes are improving average wage of workers, enhancing employability and employment and providing health and social security.

He said government is also focusing on sectors like construction, real estate, tourism, small and medium enterprises and transport, which are labour intensive. The minister said skills and knowledge are the driving forces of economic growth and social development. Quality employment and appropriate skilling of the work force are the major challenges.

Imparting training to the informal sector and keeping pace with the demands of the industry is euqally important. Mr Kharge presented 28 Vishwakarma awards under three classes to 118 workers and National Safety Awards for 2010.