Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)
Udupi, Dec 21: Social security to workers of the unorganized sector has been a distant dream in the country for the past six decades. However, the union government has decided to provide the same soon, said Oscar Fernandes, union minister of state for labour.
Fernandes was speaking after inaugurating the regional office of Provident Fund, here on Saturday December 20, in a function held at Town Hall, Ajjarkad.
Under the scheme, upon the natural death of an unorganized labourer, an amount of Rs 30,000 and on accidental death, an amount of Rs 15,000 will be paid to the next of kin of the deceased. Besides, Rs 37,500 will be paid in the event of partial disability, he added.
Efforts are underway to remit the PF within three days of retirement while under existing circumstances it takes almost a month. This facility will be introduced by incorporating new software shortly, emphasized Fernandes.
Senior citizens who are un the Below Poverty Limit (BPL) category are being paid Rs 200 per month. The state governments can pay an additional amount over and above the minimum amount, like that of Goa and Haryana who pay a consolidated sum of Rs 1,000, he added.
The setting up of beedi labourer’s welfare board is under active consideration. Agricultural loans of around Rs 66,000 crore, taken by farmers across the nation, have already been waived. Further arrangements are being made to advance agricultural loans of Rs 1 lac crore, he said.
State home minister Dr V S Acharya said the union government is expected to take additional measures to protect the interest of unorganized labourers, in the backdrop of global recession impacting the national economy.
Central provident fund commissioner A Vishwanatan delivered the keynote address. International Labour Organization (ILO) member and INTUC president S M Adyantaya was the chief guest on the occasion.
Bangalore regional provident fund commissioner Rajashekar Hegde welcomed the gathering. Commissioner Ranjay Mushahari proposed the vote of thanks and Prasanna compered the programme.