New pension scheme for construction workers in Andhra

The State Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Board has decided to introduce a new pension scheme that envisages payment of Rs 1,000 a month for registered construction workers who have attained the age of 60 years.

The scheme was ratified by the board at the meeting held by chief minister, K Rosaiah, here on Monday. All registered workers between the age group of 18-50 years are eligible enroll under the scheme. The annual contribution of the worker will be Rs 200, while the board and the Union government pays Rs 1,000 each towards premium. 

According to an official press release, the chief minister also agreed to consider the proposal of  the commissioner of labour that porters, domestic workers, rickshaw pullers and auto drivers to be brought under the ambit of Unorganised Workers Act 2008. A committee is being formed to work out welfare schemes for these categories.

At present, the board has 8.54 lakh registered workers. It has distributed identity cards to 6.60 lakh workers and collected a cess of Rs 400 crore from various construction companies and contractors. 

It has also proposed to construct a building at a cost of Rs 5 crore that will have a dormitory for accommodating construction workers who come to state capital from far off places.

The board also approved the proposal to extend Rs 2 lakh under the Personal Accident Benefit Scheme. Besides, an amount of Rs 5,000 will be paid under the Maternity Benefit scheme. Each worker's family will also be paid a funeral expense of Rs 5,000 and will be provided free ambulance services for shifting the body to the deceased’s native place.