Weavers to be issued photo ID cards

Varanasi, Dec 9 (UNI) With a view to prevent the misuse of various government schemes, the Centre has decided to issue photo identity cards to weaver community.

Addressing the 'Purvanchal Bunkar Mahapanchayat' here tonight, Union Minister of State for Commerce Jai Ram Ramesh said ''there has been a general complaint that non-weavers were taking benefit of several government facilities. Therefore, to check the misuse, photo identity cards would be issued to the weaver community.'' The Government has also decided to provide health schemes to weavers and their family at an annual premium of Rs 60, Mr Ramesh informed.

He added the Government was also going to implement 'Mahatma Gandhi Beema Yojna', whereby, a weaver needs to pay an annual premium of Rs 80. In case of natural death, his family would get Rs 60,000, while Rs one lakh in case of accidental death.

He asserted the Government was fully aware about the problems of the weaver community and taking various steps to improve their condition.

''I would soon meet the Union Finance Minister and request him to wave off weavers electricity dues. The Government is likely to provide an assistance of Rs 3 to 4 crore to clear these dues,'' he added.

UNI