WB Govt okays social security scheme for Kendu leaf collectors

The West Bengal Cabinet today cleared a social security scheme for the tribals who survive on collecting Kendu leaves in different districts of the state.
Nearly 30,000 beneficiaries aged between 18 and 60 years, would be covered by the West Bengal Kendu Leaf Collectors' Social Security Scheme-2015, state's Law minister Chandrima Bhattacharya told reporters on the cabinet decision.
She said the scheme was taken up targeting the tribal Kendu leaf collectors of Janngalmahal covering the districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia.
The beneficiaries under the scheme would be entitled to compensation for accidental and natural death, partial or permanent disability and medical assistance among other things, she said.

Bhattacharya said the registered beneficiaries would be entitled to a financial assistance on attaining 60 years of age and would be entitled to a compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh for accidental death and Rs 50,000 for natural death, Rs 4,000 for partial disability and Rs 25,000 for permanent disability.
Medical assistance to a maximum of Rs 4,000 per annum and Rs 80,000 for a block of four years would also be provided in case of surgery.
Maternity benefit of Rs 6,000 for two children and funeral expenses of Rs 3,000 would also be provided to the beneficiaries, the minister added.