Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje Announces Plans to Extend Social Security to Unorganized Sector Workers

Bengaluru Express

Bengaluru, July 12: Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shobha Karandlaje,

today announced plans to extend social security benefits to workers in the unorganized sector.

Speaking at the launch of a free auto driving training program for women and transgenders,

organized by B.PAC and CII, Karandlaje said that the government is considering consolidating

the existing 29 labor laws into four codes.

Only 10% of India’s workforce is employed in the organized sector, while 90% work in the

unorganized sector. We need to provide economic and social security to these workers, including

those in agriculture and construction, Karandlaje said.

The minister highlighted the government’s efforts to bring unorganized sector workers under the

purview of the Social Security Code, which would provide them with benefits such as provident

fund and other social security schemes.

Karandlaje also emphasized the growing importance of quick commerce in India, which is

expected to create employment opportunities for millions of people in the coming years. We are

working to extend social security benefits to workers in this sector as well, she added.

The free auto driving training program, launched today, aims to empower women and

transgenders by providing them with a means of livelihood. Over 100 women and transgenders

will receive training in driving, life skills, and financial literacy, as well as assistance in obtaining

driving licenses.Bengaluru, 12 July 2025 – In a significant step toward inclusive urban mobility

and financial empowerment, the Auto Driving Skills Training for Women, Transgender Persons

was officially launched today. This program is supported by CGI under their CSR initiative. The

launch marked the beginning of a program that will train over 100 women and transgender

individuals to become professional auto drivers, equipping them with the skills and resources to

access dignified livelihood opportunities.

The launch event was graced by Ms. Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment, Government of India, as

Chief Guest, along with Ms. Srividya Natraj and Ms. Sarika Pradhan, Vice Presidents – CGI;

Ms. Chitra Talwar, Member – B.PAC and Ms. Mimi Partha Sarathy, Member – B.PAC.

The program seeks to bridge existing gaps in employment and mobility by offering

comprehensive training and support to women and transgender individuals, enabling them to

become professional auto drivers. Beyond financial empowerment, the initiative aims to create a

safer and more inclusive paratransit system in Bengaluru. It will integrate transgender persons into mainstream livelihoods and support women from marginalized communities in achieving.

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