Employment Through License Agreements-Demeaning the Worker’s Right to Life & Scorning the Constitutional Goals: An Analysis in Relation to the Indian Railway Licensed Sahayaks (Porters)

Abstract

In view of the liberalization in 1991, India’s economy has been experiencing economic growth but regrettably is not accessible to everyone since the increased population is leading to unemployment, helplessness, dissimilarity and marginalization (Municken 1999-1) . The situation is same even today where around 4800 lakh young adults between 15 and 34 years of age, though having higher literacy levels, could not find helpful jobs thus are forced to join unsuitable avocations like licensed porter in Indian Railways due to dire economic necessities. Various studies indicate that the working condition of these laborers is pathetic as they are mostly referred to as ‘coolies’ or ‘sahayaks’ but unconsidered to be ‘workmen’, and are therefore denied for social security benefits as are granted to their counterparts. As this situation is becoming a serious social concern infringing the aim of the Indian Constitution securing a just and social order, it has become the basis of this study conducted in relation to the work status of the Indian Railways Licensed Sahayaks (IRLSs) that occupies a large employment sector, which concluded that the employment through license agreements demeans the living status of workers, and needs to be reviewed by the State as it voids the settled law.