Welfare Schemes for the Labourers

Welfare Schemes for the Labourers

04 DEC 2019

In order to provide social security benefits to the workers in the unorganized sector, Government enacted the Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008. In June, 2017, Government has converged Aam Admi Bima Yojana with Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) provide insurance cover to unorganized workers. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana provides life insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakh on payment of premium of Rs. 330 per annum. PMJJBY is available to people in the age group of 18 to 50 years.. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana provides insurance coverage of Rs. 2 lakh on accidental death or full disability, and Rs. 1 lakh on partial disability on payment of premium of Rs. 12 per annum. The Scheme is available to people in the age group 18 to 70 years. The total premium of Rs.342/- is shared equally between the State Government and Central Government. This is implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India.

Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana was started in February, 2019. This Scheme is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for the benefit of unorganized workers, for providing monthly minimum assured pension of Rs.3,000/- on attaining the age of 60 years. The unorganized workers in the age group of 18-40 years whose monthly income is Rs.15,000/- or less and not a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS can join the scheme. Under the scheme, 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. Enrolment to the Scheme is done through the Common Service Centres, with its network of 3.50 lakh Centres across the country. Eligible persons can also self-enroll through visiting the portal www.maandhan.in. All State/UT Governments were requested for popularizing and bringing more awareness about the Scheme.

Revised Integrated Housing Scheme (RIHS) 2016 was introduced w.e.f. 22.03.2016 to provide subsidy of Rs.1,50,000/- (per beneficiary) in three (03) installments at 25:60:15 ratio i.e. Rs.37,500, Rs.90,000 and Rs.22,500 receptively to Beedi/Iron Ore Mines, Manganese Ore & Chrome Ore Mines (IOMC)/Limestone Mines, Dolomite Mines (LSDM)/Mica Mines and Cine Workers for construction of pucca houses. However, as per the decision taken by the Government, All Welfare Commissioner were directed on 25.09.2018 not to issue new sanction of 1st installment under RIHS and send the pending applications to the concerned Blocks/ULBs for sanction under PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna). However the release of 2nd installment under RIHS.2007 and 2nd & 3rd installment under RIHS, 2016 kept continued.

Financial Assistance for Education to the wards of Beedi/Cine/Iron Ore Mines, Manganese Ore Mines & Chrome Ore Mines (IOMC)/ Limestone Ore Mines, Dolomite Ore Mines (LSDM) workers is also being implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The benefits under the scheme are being transferred through DBT system and the applications under this scheme are invited and processed through the National Scholarship Portal. Under this scheme Financial Assistance from Rs.250/- to Rs.15,000/- (depending upon class/course) for students studying from Class Ist to Professional degree course.

Health care facilities are being provided to Beedi, Cine and Non Coal Mine workers and to their families through 10 Hospitals and 286 Dispensaries located across the country. Reimbursement of expenditure for specialized treatment taken under Government recognized Hospitals in case of critical disease, is provided as below:

Cancer – Reimbursement of actual expenses on treatment, medicines and diet charges incurred by workers, or their dependents.

Tuberculosis – Reservation of beds in T.B. Hospitals and domiciliary treatment for workers. Subsistence allowance of Rs. 750/- to Rs. 1,000/- p.m is granted as per the advice of the treating physician.

Heart diseases – Reimbursement of expenditure up to Rs. 1,30,000/- to workers.

Kidney Transplantation – Reimbursement of expenditure up to Rs. 2,00,000/- to workers.

Hernia, Appendectomy, Ulcer Gynaecological diseases and Prostrate diseases – Reimbursement of expenditure up to Rs. 30,000/- to workers and their dependents.

This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.