Question : FACILITIES TO BEEDI WORKERS

(a) whether the Government has conducted any survey to identify the number of beedi workers at present in the country particularly in Rajasthan;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) the steps taken by the Government to provide health, education and housing facilities for beedi workers during each of the last three years;

(d) whether beedi workers working in beedi factories are being severely exploited by the factory owners and contractors;

(e) if so, the details thereof alongwith the action taken by the Government in this regard;

(f) whether the Government propose to provide the provident fund facility to beedi workers; and (g) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES)

(a): Survey has been conducted in some States. A survey with the assistance of State Government of Rajasthan was conducted for identification of beedi workers and issue of the identity cards to them.

(b): The survey of beedi workers in Rajasthan was conducted between 20th April, 2005 and 20th May, 2005. In the survey, 31736 beedi workers were identified. Similarly, survey of beedi workers in the State of West Bengal was carried out in the year 2006, in which 13,91,510 workers were identified. Survey work in Bihar and Jharkhand was initiated in the month of April, 2007, and the work is still in progress. In the State of Madhya Pradesh, the survey of beedi workers was conducted in the year 1994-95. The remaining State Governments have been requested to conduct fresh survey of beedi workers and issue of the identity cards.

(c): Statement is annexed as Annexure.

(d): No such incidence has been reported so far.

(e): Does not arise.

(f): The Employees` Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, is applicable to the beedi workers also.

(g): Under the Employees` Provident Fund Scheme, 24,57,330 beedi workers are getting benefits as on 31.3.2007.

ANNEXURE

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1270 FOR 26.11.2007.

(Rs. in Crore)
Scheme	2004-05	2005-06	2006-07	Health	33.59	33.32	32.74	Education	40.52	42.08	42.01	Housing	12.15	54.40	56.72