(a) whether it is a fact that the workers of cashew nut, coir
and plantations are likely to lose their Central Provident Fund
Pension as per the circular issued by the Regional Provident Fund
Commissioner, Trivandrum;
(b) if so, the details thereof, and the reaction of the
Government thereto;
(c) whether the Government propose to revise this decision;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI MUNI LALL)
(a): No, sir.
(b): Does not arise.
(c): No, Sir.
(d): Does not arise
(e): According to available information cashew and plantation
workers in Kerala generally work for 2-3 months in a year. As such
these workers have not deposited contribution for most of the period
in a year during which they were without wages. These cashew
workers have rendered many years` such service under the old Family
Pension Scheme and the same can be considered for Pension under the
new Pension Scheme provided the requisite contribution is paid by
the members as provided under para 9(2A) of the Family Pension
Scheme 1971. As the Employees` Pension Scheme is a contributory
scheme with limited resources, it is considered actuarially
desirable to recover the contribution/interest so as to ensure
payment of monthly pension to the beneficiaries on a continued
basis.