In the Indian context, organized minimum wage workers refer to those temporarily and irregularly employed in sectors like agriculture, domestic work, small-scale industries, and manufacturing. These workers make up 93% of the country’s total labor force. They contribute to every aspect of the economy and development but live under the shadow of an uncertain future due to the lack of social security.
Organized minimum wage workers are those employed in temporary or small, scattered establishments, and due to factors such as illiteracy and ignorance, they have been unable to organize themselves to protect their shared interests. As they are unorganized, they cannot present their issues to employers or the administration. Consequently, no special laws have been created for them. The welfare of these workers is a significant concern for both central and state governments. Despite being a large segment of the workforce, many of them are uneducated and lack basic necessities like housing, food, and clothing.
Organized minimum wage workers include street vendors, small shopkeepers, artisans, weavers, small farmers, fishers, construction laborers, domestic workers, and rickshaw pullers. While their contributions are undeniable, they are left with no social security. According to the National Sample Survey Organization, the total number of workers in both organized and unorganized sectors in India is 397 million. Of these, 28 million are in the organized sector, while 369 million (92%) work in the unorganized minimum wage sector.
In the organized sector, employment conditions are fixed and regular, and workers are entitled to job security and social protection. This sector includes entities registered with the government and subject to several regulations, such as schools and hospitals.
On the other hand, organized women workers often face dual responsibilities, balancing professional and domestic roles, which sometimes leads to stress and tension in family life. This dual burden can impact family relationships and increase household tension.
India’s labor policies post-independence have evolved significantly. The Minimum Wages Act of 1948 and other labor laws were designed to ensure industrial harmony and promote workers’ welfare. However, the welfare of the weaker sections of society remains a priority to prevent exploitation.
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