A delegation of 'Social Security Now' consisting of Shri Korivi Vinay Kumar (National Federation for Dalit Land Rights) Andhra Pradesh, Raju Bhise (YUVA) Maharashtra, Tularam Sharma (UP Gramin Mazdoor Sangathan) Uttar Pradesh, Pradumn (Indian Social Institute) Assam, Paul (Swaraj CECODECON) Rajasthan, J John (Social Security Now & CEC) Delhi and R S Tiwari (Social Security Now ) met Shri Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary of Congress on September 15, 2008 at his residences in pursuance of comprehensive Social Security legislation for unorganized workers.

As it was a sudden decision some of the working group members could not be contacted and a few others could not attend for some reason.

The delegation submitted a Memorandum demanding comprehensive social security legislation in the ensuing session (October 2008) of the parliament. The delegation demanded that the legislation should be in the lines of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Chaired by Mr S. Sudhakar Reddy. As per the available information, the bill which got the Cabinet nod does not intend to incorporate some of the key recommendations of the Standing Committee.
The memorandum submitted to Shri Rahul Gandhi is attached.

The delegation also brought to the notice of Shri Rahul Gandhi that the provision of the National Social Security Fund, inclusion of unpaid women workers’ work in the definition of ‘unorganised workers’, special provisions to address the concerns of dalits and adivasis, compensation incase of unemployment and disruption of livelihood as part of social security benefits, and provisions for regulation of employment to check increasing informalisation under globalization etc, should be included in the proposed legislation.

After listening patiently to the delegation, Shri Rahul Gandhi assured a follow up meeting for detailed discussions and expressed hope that the issue will be debated in the Parliament. After the meeting the delegation met the press people and issued a Press Release.