Port Blair, Aug 7: In a move aimed at enhancing the well-being of shopkeepers and workers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Member of Parliament, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma introduced a Private Member’s Bill in the Parliament on August 4, 2023. Named the “Welfare of Shopkeepers in Andaman and Nicobar Islands Bill, 2023,” the proposed legislation seeks to establish a Shopkeepers’ Welfare Fund and a Governing Board to oversee its administration.

The bill is intended to address the fundamental need for social security among shopkeepers and workers, drawing from the International Labour Organisation’s definition of social security. It underlines the importance of protecting individuals and households by ensuring access to healthcare and guaranteeing income security during various life situations.

The recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have emphasized the significance of social security in India. The bill reflects the lessons learned from the massive migration of workers across the country during the pandemic. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive social security net to ensure the rights of individuals and families, offer an adequate standard of living and provide access to healthcare, especially during times of adversity.

The proposed legislation outlines several key provisions to bolster social security for shopkeepers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including:

Old-Age Pension: Shopkeepers over the age of sixty who are unable to work due to physical illness, infirmity, or incapacity would be entitled to a monthly old-age pension of rupees twenty thousand.

Healthcare Facilities: The bill envisions providing free healthcare services for shopkeepers and their dependents at designated government and other hospitals.

Insurance Coverage: Shopkeepers would be granted free insurance coverage, extending a safety net for unforeseen circumstances.

Housing: The bill also aims to offer free housing facilities for shopkeepers, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Additionally, the bill advocates for the establishment of a welfare fund specific to shopkeepers in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This fund is designed to provide a sense of security to shopkeepers during times of need.

The proposed Bill signals a significant step towards ensuring the economic and social well-being of shopkeepers in the region. With the Shopkeepers’ Welfare Fund and associated provisions, the bill holds the potential to uplift thousands of individuals, contributing to the overall betterment of society.