Welfare schemes for unorganised workers get a boost

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) Welfare schemes for unorganised workers received a push during the past two years with the government spending more than Rs 100 crore, specially for those working in beedi-making sector, mines and film industry.

The expenditure of Rs 108.59 crore under five labour welfare funds during 2004-5 was Rs 9.61 crore more than the amount spent in the previous year, the Labour Ministry said today.

The money spent during the last financial year up to December 2005 was Rs 121.98 crore.

The entire expenditure on the welfare of unorganised workers is funded by cess on mineral exports, beedi manufacturing and production of feature films.

The government collected Rs 96.01 crore of cess during the last financial year up to December 2005 against a target of Rs 160.26 crore.

The welfare measures include medical facilities, housing, drinking water supply and educational support to families of unorganised workers.

Under the Beedi Workers Labour Welfare Fund, more than 4.08 million workers were treated in various dispensaries and hospitals while 414,000 workers received health benefits under the Limestone and Dolomite Mines Labour Welfare Fund.

As many as 278,000 workers were covered under the Iron Ore, Manganese Ore and Chrome Ore Mines Labour Welfare Fund, 66,700 under the Mica Mines Labour Welfare Fund and 94,000 under the Cine Workers Welfare Fund.

The government also provided 335,000 scholarships for education to the dependents of beedi workers, 9,027 scholarships to workers of limestone and dolomite mines, 12,018 scholarships to dependents of mica workers and 2,915 scholarships to children of cine workers.

Under the housing scheme, 16,000 houses were approved during 2004-5 for unorganised workers. One drinking water scheme was also sanctioned for financing under the scheme for workers in limestone and dolomite mines, the Labour Ministry said.

The government is planning to introduce a comprehensive Bill for the social security of unorganised workers, who constitute more than 90 per cent of the entire workforce in the country, in the Monsoon session of Parliament.

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