The Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Steel and Mines, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar chaired the 28th meeting of the Central Advisory Committee on Beedi Workers Welfare Fund here today. The Central Advisory Committee is an important tripartite forum and it advises the central government on matters arising out of the administration of this fund. The meeting was attended, inter-alia, by representatives of employers, worker unions and other organizations concerned. Addressing the members, Shri Tomar said, “60 lakh beedi workers spread across the country belong to the poor and down-trodden section of the society and their upliftment is the primary objective of the welfare fund.” Shri Tomar stressed upon the government’s commitment to the welfare of workers and creation of employment. The Committee deliberated on and considered various proposals aimed at enhancing the reach and effect of various welfare schemes meant for beedi workers in the country.
The committee recommended:
To develop a modified housing scheme, with Rs. 75,000/- as proposed contribution from Beedi Workers Welfare fund for each beedi worker, for building a house.
To enhance the rate of welfare cess from present 5 % to 8 %
To reduce the cess-exemption limit for beedi-manufacturers from the present turnover level of 20 lakh beedis to 5 lakh beedis
To enhance the amount of financial assistance under the group insurance scheme
To earmark 20 % of scholarship budget for skill development scheme and sponsorship of beedi workers and their children for training in it is
Mandatory wellness check-up for every beedi worker and their dependents