Committee recommends modified house scheme for beedi workers

The central advisory committee on beedi workers welfare fund has recommended developing a modified housing scheme with Rs 75,000 as proposed contribution from the fund for each beedi worker for building a house.
It has also recommended enhancing the rate of welfare cess from present 5 per cent to 8 per cent and to reduce the cess-exemption limit for beedi-manufacturers from the present turnover level of 20 lakh beedis to 5 lakh beedis.
The recommendations were presented during the 28th meeting of the committee chaired by Labour and Employment Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.
Addressing the meeting, the minister said that the 60 lakh beedi workers spread across the country belong to the poor and downtrodden section of the society and their uplifting is the primary objective of the welfare fund.

He stressed upon the government's commitment to the welfare of workers and creation of employment, said a government statement.
The committee suggested to enhance the amount of financial assistance under the group insurance scheme and to earmark 20 per cent of scholarship budget for skill development scheme and sponsorship of beedi workers and their children for training.
Besides, it recommended mandatory wellness check-up for every beedi worker and their dependents.