KUALA LUMPUR: The first phase of the Economic Census (BE) 2026, which is currently underway, focuses on the informal sector including small-scale, micro-enterprises and online businesses which are growing rapidly, said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM). Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the informal sector refers to online business activities and conventional business activities such as mobile traders that do not have a permanent structure. He said BE 2026 for the informal sector would be carried out in detail to obtain full coverage of economic activities carried out starting at the small, unstructured level. “Compared to (larger) […]

Key Highlights * Comprehensive ₹75,000 financial aid for workers suffering permanent disability due to an accident. * Explicitly targets individuals working in Bihar’s unorganized sector between 18 and 65 years of age. * Application is conducted solely through offline, on‑site submission at the local District Officer’s office. * Coverage extends to loss of vision, limb function, or brain injury as certified by a competent authority. * Designed to relieve families from the immediate economic shock of lifelong disability. Detailed Insights Scheme Objective – The programme is conceived as a financial safety net, addressing the acute needs of informal workers who lack employer‑based social security. By offering a lump sum of ₹75,000 it aims to cushion the household from the sudden loss of income. Eligibility & Features – The aid is reserved for Bihar residents aged 18‑65 who are engaged in any unorganized craft or labor activity. Acknowledging the heterogeneity of informal employment, the scheme accommodates a range of full‑time, part‑time and seasonal jobs. Assessment of Disability – Total Permanent Disability (TPD) is strictly defined, requiring loss of both eyes or both hands, or a combination of one eye, one arm, and one leg, among other serious deficits. Certification must come from an accredited medical authority. Application Process – Prospective beneficiaries first obtain a paper form from the District Labour Welfare Committee, complete it with required identification and disability evidence, and submit it with self‑attested copies of all documents. Subsequent verification occurs at the District Office before fund disbursement. Required Documentation – Applicants must present a filled application form, proof of residence, age proof, police report or FIR where applicable, medical certificate, proof of occupation from a local Panchayat member, Aadhaar, and a bank account with IFSC code. Key Concepts * Total Permanent Disability (TPD) – A medically certified condition that irrevocably limits vision, limb use, or cognitive function and is the sole qualifying tragedy for aid. * Informal Sector – Employment that lacks statutory recognition, contractual safeguards, or employer‑provided welfare benefits. * Social Security – State‑backed financial protection systems, of which this scheme is a localized instance for unorganized workers. * Competent Authority – An officially recognized body or professional body empowered to issue certifications of disability status. * Eligibility Criteria – The set of prerequisites that a claimant must satisfy, including age, residency, sector, and certified disability.

EPRU-EfD Researchers have examined the informal economies’ impact on energy efficiency in African countries.

Women domestic workers in NCR are demanding safer workspaces, pushing for employers and the government to act. Here’s how they’re turning agency into action.

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 23 — Malaysia’s Economic Census 2026 (BE2026) is introducing a major shift by officially including informal economic activities such as online sellers, small traders, homestay operators, gig workers, and non-profit organisations for the first time. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the move reflects the government’s determination to ensure that all economic …