(a) the present norms and procedures for providing financial assistance to the beedi workers under welfare schemes;
(b) whether the Government has decided to change the prevailing norms and procedures; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI K. CHANDRASEKHAR RAO)
(a): To avail financial benefits under various welfare schemes of Beedi Workers Welfare Fund under the Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1976 enacted by the Parliament, identification of beedi workers and issue of identity cards to them are essential. Employers, State Govts. and Labour Welfare Organisation issue identity cards to the genuine beedi workers. Monthly wage ceiling for eligibility of a beedi worker is Rs. 10,000/- per month to avail welfare facilities except under the Revised Integrated Housing Scheme. Under the Revised Integrated Housing Scheme 2005 for beedi workers etc., (w.e.f. 25.5.2005) a uniform central subsidy of Rs. 40,000/- is granted to a beedi worker having his own land and contribution of Rs. 5,000/- for construction of a tenement. The scheme is to be implemented by State Governments through Deputy Commissioners/Collectors. Monthly wage ceiling for this scheme is Rs. 6,500/- per month. The other Schemes include scholarships to schools/college going chi
ldren of beedi workers, medical and health care including group insurance of beedi workers.
(b) & (c): No, Sir.