Spl social security benefits for temporary workers

MP, 10 Dec 2024, Alipurduar: The Bengal government has announced a significant initiative to extend social security benefits to non-workers and temporary workers of tea gardens in the Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts. 

Under this scheme, these workers will be included in a Provident Fund Arrangement (PFA) to provide them with financial security and insurance coverage. The state’s Labour department has already begun registering eligible non-workers and temporary workers through special camps organised in tea gardens to ensure maximum participation. 

Nakul Sonar, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Trinamool Cha Bagan Sramik Union, expressed gratitude, stating: “This decision is a historic event. Many governments came and went, but none addressed the plight of tea garden workers. 

While existing schemes like Kanyashree, Rupashree and Swasthya Sathi have brought benefits, this new initiative will ensure every family member in the gardens is included.” So far, approximately 50,000 workers have been registered under the scheme, with registration nearing completion in several gardens. 

According to the Labour department, non-workers will receive Rs 55 monthly in their Provident Fund accounts, amounting to Rs 660 annually. Over time, this will grow to approximately Rs. 2.72 lakh, including interest, by the time they reach 60 years of age. 

The scheme also includes insurance benefits. If a registered worker dies while employed, their family will receive Rs 50,000. In the event of an accidental death, the compensation will rise to Rs 2 lakh. 

Assistant Labour Commissioner Amit Das, who oversees the Birpara Circle, confirmed the progress, stating: “Camps are being organised in all 61 gardens of the district to register non-workers under the state’s social security scheme. 

Each registered worker will have a dedicated Provident Fund account created by the state.” Since tea gardens were brought under the Panchayat system in 1998, workers were often excluded from government benefits. 

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/spl-social-security-benefits-for-temporary-workers-590136