Mamata announces slew of measures for contractual, casual workers

Kolkata, Feb 17: Services of the West Bengal government's contractual and casual workers would not be terminated till they attain 60 years of age, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced here on Wednesday.

Briefing mediapersons after a cabinet meeting, Banerjee said the relief would be applicable also to contractual and casual workers in state government agencies and institutions.

The cabinet increased the salaries of these workers from a minimum of Rs.10,000 per month for those who have been working for less than five years, to a minimum of Rs.20,000 to those who have worked for over 20 years.

Banerjee announced that the salaries would be revised upward every year by 3 percent and once they reach the superannuation age of 60 years, they would get a one-time retirement benefit of Rs.2 lakh.

The other benefits announced for contractual and casual workers include insurance coverage of up to Rs.5 lakh and leave benefit of 40 days -- up from the earlier 30 days.

Banerjee said a high-powered committee would be set up to look into what other benefits can be extended to these workers.

The panel, that would include the chief secretary and finance secretary, would submit a report by August 30.

The chief minister said there would 10 percent reservation for civic volunteers and green police during recruitment of home guard constables.

IANS