Udupi: Karnataka Labour Minister, Santosh Lad, has proposed the introduction of a universal card to provide security to all unorganized workers in the state. He made this announcement during a recent media interaction in Udupi.

Lad stated that the current system of providing benefits to construction workers and transport sector workers through the cess collected is inadequate. He pointed out that unorganized workers in various sectors, including tailors, laborers, weavers, and hotel workers, are not receiving any benefits from this system.

The proposed universal card would aim to address this issue by providing a comprehensive social security net for all unorganized workers. It would cover various aspects, such as healthcare, pension, and education for their children.

Lad further clarified that the government has not cut the student stipends for the children of workers. He explained that the previous government had abruptly increased the scholarship from Rs. 2,000 in 2021 to Rs. 8,000 and later to Rs. 10,000. This increase was deemed unscientific and unsustainable.

The Labor Minister also addressed the issue of fake registrations for construction worker cards. He stated that the number of cards has increased significantly in recent years, with Haveri district alone having over three lakh cards. However, many of these cards are suspected to be fake.

To address this issue, the government is implementing a thorough verification process for scholarship applications. Lad informed that out of the 13 lakh applications received this year, only 9 lakh have been approved after careful scrutiny.