The Ministry of Labour & Employment has introduced a change to strengthen education support for children of unorganised workers. This reform is part of the Code on Social Security, 2020, which aims to provide better welfare and protection for workers and their families.
The Ministry runs a scheme that gives financial help for schooling to children of Beedi, Cine, and non coal mine workers (including iron, manganese, chrome, limestone, dolomite, and mica mines). The scheme is need based, meaning families receive support regardless of academic merit, to reduce financial stress and keep children in school.
Until now, students who received this welfare scholarship could not also apply for merit based scholarships from the government. The new reform removes this restriction. Now, children of unorganised workers can benefit from both welfare support and merit based scholarships if they qualify. This change ensures that deserving students are not excluded from opportunities simply because of overlapping rules.
The reform is expected to directly help thousands of children from vulnerable worker families, improving access to higher education and reducing dropout rates. Currently, about one lakh students benefit each year, and the new policy will expand this number further.
By allowing children to combine welfare assistance with merit based scholarships, the government is giving them a stronger chance to pursue higher studies, achieve their academic goals, and secure better livelihoods in the future.
This step reflects the government’s commitment to social justice and labour welfare, ensuring that unorganised workers and their families receive fair support and recognition in line with the broader vision of the labour codes.
