MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)
(a): Yes, Madam. Cognizant of the slow decline of Beedi industry, Ministry of Labour and Emp- loyment had initiated a visionary scheme to provide vocational training to Beedi workers since the year 2008-09 so as to empower them with the skill to find an alternative and sustainable livelihood. The scheme is a non- plan scheme funded by the Beedi Workers Cess Fund specially created for welfare of Beedi workers. The implementation machinery is the same Labour Welfare Organization of the Mini- stry working in the field levels.
(b): The vocational training includes 308 modular employable schemes approved by the Director General of Employment & Training (DGE&T) of the Ministry of Labour & Employment. The skill trainings are im- parted through Industrial Training Institutes (ITI’s), Khadi Village Industries Commission, Regional Vocational Training Institute for women and reputed NGOs.
(c): The details of various social security schemes being implemented by the Government for Beedi workers are as follows:
(i) Life and accident cover through Group Insurance Scheme of LIC, as per the following scale:
Natural death – Rs. 10,000/-,
Accidental death/total permanent disability– Rs. 25,000/-
Partial permanent disability due to an accident– Rs. 12,500/-
The beneficiary does not have to pay any premium for the above life and disability cover.
(ii) Financial Assistance amounting to Rs. 5000/- is provided to the Widow/Widower of Beedi workers for wedding of their first two daughters. Similarly, funeral assistance amounting to Rs. 1500/- is also provided in case of death of the Beedi workers.
(iii) Housing Subsidy: Under the Revised Inte- grated Housing Scheme (RIHS), 2007 with effect from 01.04.2007, housing subsidy of Rs. 40000/- is provided to Beedi workers for construction of new houses.
(d): The number of beedi workers benefited under the social security schemes is at ANNEXURE-A.
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