Question : Beedi Workers

(a)the estimated number of employees associated with Beedi industries, State/UT-wise;
(b)the names of the countries to which Beedi was exported during each of the last three years and the current year along with foreign revenues earned therefrom, country-wise;
(c)whether it is a fact that majority of the Beedi workers are suffering from multiple illness due to continuous exposure to tobacco and other hazardous substances and if so, the details thereof;
(d)the details of the schemes/measures taken by the Government to improve the working conditions and health of the Beedi workers particularly women;
(e)the details of the funds allocated by the Government during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise; and
(f)the further steps being taken by the Government to improve the working conditions of Beedi workers?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a): The data on estimated number of employees associated with Beedi industries is not maintained centrally, however, the number of Beedi workers involved in Beedi rolling occupation is at Annexure – ‘A’.

Contd..2/-


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(b): The country-wise Beedi exported for the period from the FY 2016-17 to FY 2019-20 and foreign revenues earned therefrom is enclosed at Annexure – ‘B’.
(c): Health scheme facilities under Ministry of Labour & Employment specifically address the health issues & illnesses among the beedi workers.
(d): The details of the schemes / measures taken by the Government to improve the working conditions and health of all the Beedi workers (not specific to any gender) are given below:
Health Scheme
Health care facilities are being provided to Beedi workers and to their dependents through 10 Hospitals and 286 Dispensaries located across the country. Expenditure for specialized treatment taken by Beedi workers and their dependents under Government recognized Hospitals in case of critical disease are reimbursed.
Housing Scheme
A subsidy of Rs. 1,50,000/- was released in three installments on 25:60:15 ratio (First as advance, second on reaching the lintel level and third after receipt of inspection report that the construction of houses has been completed in all respect) for construction of houses to Beedi workers. Under this scheme, subsidy is released through DBT.
Now, the scheme is converged with the universal Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Scholarship Scheme
Financial assistance for education, ranging from Rs. 250/- to Rs. 15,000/- per annum is being given to the wards of Beedi workers who have put in at least six months of continuous service.
(e): The details of the funds allocated by the Government during each of the last three years and the current year, region-wise, is at Annexure – ‘C’.
(f): Apart from the schemes given in the reply of part (d) of the question, the Beedi workers, being a part of unorganised workers are also entitled to the following benefits:
Contd..3/-

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(i) The converged scheme of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) is being implemented to provide for life and disability cover to such workers, depending upon their eligibility. Government of India and State Government pay the annual premium in equal share.
(ii) Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana for old age protection in the form of minimum assured monthly pension of Rs. 3,000/- on attaining the age of 60 years. The unorganised workers in the age group of 18-40 years whose monthly income of Rs.15,000/- or less and not a member of EPFO / ESIC / NPS (Govt. funded) can join the scheme. It is a contributory scheme wherein 50% of the monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government.

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