Question : FUND UNDER BEEDI WORKERS WELFARE FUND ACT,1976

the funds created and utilized under the Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1976 during the last two year, year-wise?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU)

The Government has constituted the Beedi Workers Welfare Fund under Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1976. The Act provides for levy of cess by way of excise duty on manufactured beedis from Re.1/- to Rs.5/- per thousand manufactured beedis. The rate of cess at present is Rs.5/- per thousand beedis w.e.f. 01.04.2006. The Act provides that the fund may be utilized by the Central Government to meet the expenditure incurred in connection with the welfare measures of such workers. Various welfare schemes are under operation in the fields of health, education, housing, social security, etc. The cess collection and expenditure incurred under the Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1976 during the last three years is as under:-



(Rs. In Crores) 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Cess Collection 85.83 72.39 125.79 Expenditure 81.30 89.15 132.58