Ministry delays inclusion of key safety recommendations in informal workers OSH framework

Comprehensive OSH framework for unorganised labourers still in the works Health officials say a number of recommendations made during consultations remain on paper. — The draft Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) framework, unveiled last year, aimed to extend statutory protection to the roughly 12 million informal workers who form the backbone of the country’s construction, street vending and domestic help sectors. Yet a recent briefing by the Ministry of Labour and Employment shows that several key recommendations – from mandatory safety training to employer liability clauses – have not yet been incorporated into the final legislation..

Experts warn that this lag could leave millions to preventable injuries and chronic health conditions. The policy’s initial consultations, which ran from January to March, involved a wide array of stakeholders: trade unions, industry bodies, civil society groups and academics specialising in labour economics. A working group convened by the Ministry presented 37 recommendations, 18 of which were accepted with minor amendments..

However, 19 were either delayed or shelved, citing “complexity of enforcement” and “lack of clear funding mechanisms.” Health officials argue that the absence of these safeguards undermines the framework’s promise. Meera Patel, a senior adviser to the Ministry, highlighted that the framework’s success hinges on “pragmatic enforcement” and “robust monitoring.” She pointed out that the draft lacks a clear definition of what constitutes an unorganised worker, a problem that could complicate legal recourse for those who suffer workplace accidents. “Without a statutory definition, employers can claim exemption from safety obligations,” Patel said, citing recent cases of street vendors being fined for failing to maintain basic fire safety protocols..

The consultations also revealed a disconnect between the Ministry’s intent and the realities on the ground. Many informal workers rely on family or community support rather than formal contracts, making it difficult to assign responsibility for compliance. The draft proposed a “joint liability” model, wherein the employer, the worker, and a local regulatory body would share responsibility for safety standards..

This concept was criticised by several industry representatives for being “unworkable” under current administrative structures. In response to the criticism, the Ministry announced a “task force” to streamline enforcement mechanisms. The task force, composed of representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Department of Industrial Safety, and the National Association of Informal Workers, will meet quarterly to review progress..

Initial meetings focused on clarifying the role of local municipal authorities in monitoring compliance, as well as exploring the feasibility of a digital registry to track safety training and incidents among unorganised workers. Health officials have also expressed concern over the lack of provisions for ongoing medical surveillance. The draft framework recommends periodic health checks for workers in high-risk sectors such as construction and textile manufacturing, yet fails to allocate budget for such programmes..

“The absence of a funding mechanism means that these checks are likely to remain a paper exercise,” said Dr. She urged the Ministry to adopt a cost‑sharing model, whereby employers contribute a modest levy to a national health fund dedicated to informal workers. The draft’s safety training provisions present another significant hurdle..

While it calls for basic hazard identification and emergency response training, the Ministry has not yet specified how training will be delivered to workers who often lack literacy skills or regular work hours. Some consultations suggested mobile training units and peer‑led workshops, but these ideas were not incorporated into the final text. A lack of practical training options could limit the effectiveness of the framework’s risk mitigation strategies..

Not all recommendations have been dismissed. The Ministry accepted a proposal to introduce a “portable safety record” for workers who move between jobs or locations. This feature would allow informal workers to carry proof of compliance with safety standards, potentially easing their transition into new work environments..

However, critics argue that the portability system is still too theoretical, lacking clear guidelines on how employers should verify or update records. Enforcement remains the most contested issue. The draft stipulates that local labour inspectors will have the authority to conduct surprise inspections and issue fines..

Yet it does not detail how inspectors will be trained to assess informal work settings, nor does it define the maximum penalty for non‑compliance. Several industry leaders expressed concern that overly harsh penalties could push already vulnerable workers further into precarious employment, where safety measures become a luxury. The Ministry’s delay in finalising the framework has attracted scrutiny from international organisations..

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has issued a statement urging the government to “move swiftly” to enshrine rights for informal workers. In a meeting with the Ministry, ILO officials highlighted the positive impact of comprehensive OSH legislation on public health and economic productivity. They also suggested that the Ministry explore partnership models with NGOs to facilitate training and monitoring at the grassroots level..

In light of these challenges, some workers’ rights groups have launched a public campaign demanding a “quick‑start” implementation of the framework’s most urgent elements. The campaign, led by the Informal Workers’ Solidarity Movement, calls for immediate enforcement of safety training and medical surveillance, even if other provisions remain pending. They argue that “partial protection is better than no protection” and that incremental steps can build momentum for a more complete overhaul..

The Ministry has pledged to revisit the draft next month, with a view to incorporating feedback from the consultations. Minister of Labour, Ramesh Gupta, announced that the next phase will involve a public hearing in Delhi, where stakeholders can present case studies and propose actionable solutions. He stressed the importance of “collaboration” and “innovation” in addressing the unique challenges of the informal sector..

Meanwhile, informal workers across the country are awaiting the framework’s.