MPs Demand Urgent Reforms for Social Security and Working Conditions in Lok Sabha

During the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha on Monday, several Members of Parliament (MPs) voiced significant concerns regarding the social security measures for the workforce, particularly focusing on the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), the working conditions in multinational corporations (MNCs), and the welfare of technicians and support staff in the film industry. N.K. Premachandran from the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) led the charge, urging immediate government action to enhance the EPS as per the Supreme Court's approval from 2022. He emphasized the need for reform by highlighting a troubling statistic: as of August 7, 2024, a mere 8,401 out of 1.74 million applicants had received higher pensions under the scheme. This disparity has raised questions about the efficiency of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and its commitment to providing adequate retirement benefits to employees. On a related note, BJP MP Arun Govil brought attention to the plight of technicians and support staff in the film and television industry. He criticized the current exploitation within the sector, calling for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Labour Ministry to step in with social security provisions and standard contracts. Govil's comments underscored the urgent need for the implementation of labor laws, which would ensure fair treatment, overtime payments, provident fund contributions, and comprehensive healthcare benefits for these essential workers. The session also addressed broader issues related to employee welfare, exemplified by the tragic case of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant who died while working at Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune earlier this year. Hibi Eden, the Congress MP from Ernakulam, highlighted this incident as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by young professionals in corporate environments. His remarks resonated with the growing concerns about the impact of corporate work culture on the mental and physical health of employees, particularly in high-pressure settings. Adding to the discourse on employee mobility, K.C. Venugopal from the Congress party advocated for the introduction of special trains during the upcoming festive season, specifically for Keralites working in other states. He argued that affordable travel options are essential for individuals wanting to return home to celebrate with their families during Christmas and New Year. As these discussions unfold in the Lok Sabha, it is evident that the need for enhanced social security measures and better working conditions for various segments of the workforce is becoming increasingly urgent. The collective voices of these MPs reflect a growing awareness and advocacy for the rights and welfare of employees across diverse sectors, marking a significant step towards addressing longstanding issues within India's labor landscape.