A universal social security cover for workers in both organized and unorganised sectors is on the anvil. Disclosing this in New Delhi today, Prime Minister said the proposal for creation of a national social security fund is also at an advance stage of consideration of the government.

Addressing the 45th Indian Labour Conference in New Delhi today Dr.Manmohan Singh said the government is also considering fixing a national floor-level minimum wage and a minimum pension of 1000 rupees per month under Employees’ Pension Scheme. He acknowledging that there could be no disagreement on issues raised by trade unions during the February general strike.

He said, the government supported demands which include concrete measures for containing inflation, employment generation opportunities and strict implementation of labour laws. Dr. Singh said, there can be differences on the best ways of fulfilling these demands and the government is willing to engage constructively with the trade unions.

The trade unions had gone on a two-day general strike in February this year pressing for implementation of their 10-point charter of demands. A Group of Ministers was set up later under the Finance Minister to look into the demands and resolve issues which require further dialogue. Dr. Singh said the Cabinet has already approved amendments to the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 to provide for a statutory National Floor-Level Minimum Wage.

The Prime Minister said, many of the demands reflect the concern that growth and progress should be inclusive and should particularly benefit the under-privileged sections of the society. This, he said, is a concern that has been very dear to the UPA government. Dr. Singh also said, providing the people with productive employment opportunities is the best way of achieving this objective.

Union Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge said, the UPA government's efforts on skill development led to the doubling of the number of ITIs from five thousand to ten thousand. He said, 1700 government ITIs have also been modernized. Another 3000 ITIs, 5000 Skill Development Centres and 27 Advanced Training Institutes are to be set up during the 12th five year plan.