The Government is considering proposals to modify welfare schemes related to health and housing for over 60 lakh beedi workers in the country.

A​t a​ tripartite meeting held recently, the Labour Ministry’s Central Advisory Committee on Beedi Workers Welfare Fund, chaired by the Labour Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, proposed developing a modified housing scheme, with Rs 75,000 as proposed contribution from the Beedi Workers Welfare Fund, for each beedi worker.

The meeting also discussed enhancing the rate of welfare cess from 5 per cent to 8 per cent, the Labour Ministry said.

Among the other proposals under consideration are reducing the cess-exemption limit for beedi manufacturers from the present turnover level of 20 lakh beedis to five lakh beedis, enhancing financial assistance under the group insurance scheme, earmarking 20 per cent of scholarship budget for skill development and sponsorship of beedi workers and their children for training in it is.

A proposal for mandatory wellness check-up for every beedi worker and their dependents, proposed by the tripartite committee may also be considered.

The meeting was attended by representatives of employers, worker unions and other organisations concerned.

Addressing the members, Tomar said, “60 lakh beedi workers spread across the country belong to the poor and downtrodden section of the society and their uplift is the primary ob​​jective of the welfare fund.

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