Welfare of unorganized workers: The case of central welfare organization

Abstract

Statutory funds have been created in India to provide welfare facilities with a view to improve the quality of life of unorganized and scattered workers like those in.mica, iron ore, and manganese ore mines and the beedi industry. These funds are administered by country-wide welfare organizations with several zonal offices. The paper presents case studies of organization and management of sectoral programmes like health, water supply, housing, and education. These suggest a mis-match between the structure and administrative practices and the goals of the programme~ The welfare activities were also not in accordance with the national health policy. The study suggests the need for organizational changes, bureaucratic reorientation, training of personnel, and changes in the approach and content of the various welfare programmes.