Construction workers to get smart cards

Chandigarh, Nov 17 (UNI) The Haryana Labour Welfare Board and Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board have decided to issue smart cards to workers engaged in building and other construction activities in the state and also give them a number of other incentives.

Haryana Minister of Labour and Employment A C Chaudhary, under whose chairmanship the meetings of the two Boards were held here today, said the decision to issue smart card to workers engaged in building and other construction activities would facilitate their proper identity and they would be able to draw all benefits allowed to them under various welfare schemes.

He said this category of workers had been covered under "Jan Shree Bima Yojna" under social security schemes. Under the scheme, the workers could avail the benefits of housing loans, purchase of tools, medical facilities and educational assistance for their children.

Other benefits included maternity leave and allowances, pension and family pension. For extending all these welfare benefits, the beneficiaries were being registered and also issued smart cards, added the Minister.

The Board also decided to reduce the monthly contribution from such workers from Rs 20 to Rs five only so that workers do not feel burdened and they are encouraged to enroll themselves as members under this Scheme.

Under 'Jan Shree Bima Yojna', against the ensured amount of Rs 30,000, in case of eventuality of accidental death, the compensation to the tune of Rs 75,000 would be paid and in case of loss of both limbs or permanent disability, the same amount would be given to worker himself or herself. This is in addition to the ex-gratia amount of Rs 50,000 being paid to such workers by the Board.

UNI