Punjab proposes pension scheme for labourers

The Punjab government will soon launch a pension scheme for construction labourers in the state, a minister said here Wednesday.

Labour Minister Chunni Lal Bhagat said the pension scheme would be in collaboration with the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC).

"The construction labourers registered with the Punjab Building and Construction Workers Welfare Board since five years would be eligible to get pension after attaining the age of 60 years. This will range from Rs.4,000 to Rs.10,000 per year," Bhagat said.

He said in case of the death of a registered labourer, his spouse would be eligible to claim 50 percent of the pension. In case of 100 percent disability, the affected labourer would also get the benefits of pension.

Punjab has over 1.5 lakh construction workers registered with the Punjab Building and Construction Workers Welfare Board and the government is trying to bring more labourers under the ambit of the board, the minister added.