(a) whether the conditions of cashew workers is pitiable in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the number of such workers living below poverty line in the country, State-wise;
(c) whether the Government proposes to introduce suitable welfare measures like pension, gratuity and Employees State Insurance (ESI) facilities for the said workers; and
(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the necessary orders issued by the Union Government to States in this regard?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE)
(a) & (b): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
(c) & (d): Employees’ State Insurance Scheme is applicable to cashew workers in covered units within the Implemented Centers. Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 applies to Cashewnuts industries w.e.f. 30th September, 1962 and accordingly social security benefits in the form of Provident Fund, Pension and Insurance are provided to the eligible members under Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952, Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1976.