PIB Summary- 18th December, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Safeguarding Unorganised Labour and Migrant Workers’ Children

Context

The Ministry of Labour & Employment outlines measures and welfare facilities for unorganised labour and migrant workers’ children in a response to the Rajya Sabha.

Initiatives for Unorganised Labour:

• PMJJBY (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana):
• Provides Rs. 2.00 Lakh in case of insured’s death due to any reason.
• Annual premium: Rs. 436/-

PMSBY (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana):

• Offers Rs. 2.00 Lakh for accidental death or total permanent disability, and Rs. 1.00 Lakh for partial permanent disability due to an accident.
• Annual premium: Rs. 20/-

Health and Maternity Benefits:

• Provides health insurance coverage up to Rs. 5.00 Lakhs per family.
• Eligibility based on deprivation and occupation criteria.

Old Age Protection:

• Launched in 2019 for old age protection in the unorganised sector.
• Offers a monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- after reaching the age of 60 years.

Welfare Facilities for Children of Migrant Workers:

• Protects the interests of migrant workers.
• Establishments employing Interstate Migrant Workers must register.
• Contractors must obtain licenses.

Workers entitled to:

• Minimum wages.
• Journey allowance.
• Displacement allowance.
• Residential accommodation.
• Medical facilities.
• Protective clothing.

Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009:

• Mandates the government to provide free and compulsory elementary education.
• Applicable to every child aged 6 to 14 years.
• Neighbourhood schools must offer education.
• Applies to children of inter-state migrant workers as well.

Surat Diamond Bourse

Context
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Surat Diamond Bourse today in Surat, Gujarat.

Surat Diamond Bourse: A Mega Hub for Global Diamond Trade

• Location: Situated in Khajod village, near Surat.
• Global Corporate Hub: Recognized as the world’s largest corporate office hub.
• Trading Hub: Functions as a global center for trading both rough and polished diamonds, along with jewelry.
• Global Platform: Attracts diamond buyers globally, providing a platform for international trade.

Key Features:

• Built on 35.54 acres of land with an investment of Rs 3,400 crore.
• Holds the title of the world’s largest interconnected building with over 4,500 offices.
• Features 15 floors and nine ground towers, offering office spaces ranging from 300 sq ft to 1 lakh sq ft.
• Connected by a central spine, enhancing accessibility.

Facilities:

• Houses a state-of-the-art ‘Customs Clearance House’ for Import-Export.
• Includes a jewelry mall for retail business and facilities for International Banking and Safe Vaults.
• Recognized as the country’s largest customs clearance house.

Capacity and Global Reach:

• Can accommodate 4,200 traders from 175 countries, facilitating the purchase of polished diamonds.

Environmental Considerations:

• Adheres to the principles of Panchtattva, aligning with the five elements of nature.
• Incorporates a cutting-edge rooftop solar energy project for sustainability.
• Utilizes a radiant cooling system for energy efficiency.
• Awarded a platinum rating by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).