Holiday on 14-04-2021

 

31 CIRCLE CONFERENCE OF GUJARAT CIRCLE

 
 
31st     Conference of All India RMS & MMS Employees union Group’C’ of Gujarat Circle was held  at Ahmedabad from 31-03-2021 to 01-04-2021.
Open Session was held on 31 March,2021  under the Presidentship of Com.S.R.Bhatia.Before starting Open Session homage was paid to Com. M.Krishnan  Ex Secretary General Confederation and NFPE .Two minutes silence was observed in memories of those who left us during this period. Com.Pradip U.Khadse General Secretary R-III inaugurated the Open Session. This Session was addressed by  Comes.Giri Raj Singh Ex President NFPE & General Secretary R-III,K.B.Barot Ex CS  P-III,N.Kodia CS Admn,P.M.Parmar CS R-IV,NUR- R-III,CS BPU R-III and their leaders. Com. H.A.Rajgor Circle Secretary placed the draft Report  & Accounts  in the house for discussion and approval.
The above leaders were welcomed with shawl,Bucket and Momento by Com H.A.Rajgor,D.K.Choudhary and his team of ‘AM’Dn.
Coms. S.A. Dhangar,H.A.Rajgor and Com. P.B.Mehta  were elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary , Treasurer respectively.

JCM

 F.No.3/1/2019-JCA
Government of India Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pensions
Establishment (JCA Section)
 
North Block, New Delhi Dated 22nd February, 2021
 
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
 
Subject:- Functioning of Departmental Councils and Office Councils – Guidelines of JCM Scheme – regarding.
 
The undersigned is directed to say that instructions have been issued by this Department, from time to time, for making effective use of JCM Scheme by Ministries/Departments to discuss the demands of the employees. The Departmental Council set up under the JCM Scheme is the appropriate forum for redressal of the grievances of the employees. However, it has come to notice that the meeting of the Departmental Councils / Staff Councils in various Ministries/Departments, except a few, are not being held regularly.
 
The Staff Side, National Council (JCM) has been raising this issue in the meetings of the National Council and Standing Committee of the National Council (JCM). As per the JCM Scheme “the meetings of the Departmental Council shall be held as often as necessary, and not less than once in four months”.
However, it has been observed that in some of the Ministries/Departments, the meetings of the Departmental Councils/Office Councils have not been held for a long time and in many Ministries / Departments, Departmental Council/Office Council has not been formulated, for redressal of employees grievances.
In view of the above, it is requested that the Departmental Council Meetings may be held once in every four months, as follows, as per the laid down guidelines of the JCM Scheme, under intimation to this Department:
Further, it is requested that the Departmental Council may be constituted, in those Ministries/Departments, where it has not been constituted, so far and the meetings of the Departmental Council may be held frequently, as indicated in para 3, above to resolve Staff Side grievances. 

(S.T. Selvi Singh)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

 GUIDELINES REGARDING ADMINISTRATION OF COVID VACCINE TO THE CGHS BENEFICIARIES OM DATED 26.03.2021

Misc-12/CGHS/Gr. Cell/2021/DIR/CGHS
Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Directorate General of CGHS

Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated the 26 March 2021

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Guidelines regarding administration of COVID vaccine to the CGHS beneficiaries-

 

The Department has been receiving various representations and grievances regarding administration of COVID vaccine to the CGHS beneficiaries. The matter has been examined and it has now been decided that:

1. As per the Government of India policy, the vaccination against COVID illness is being provided free of cost to the beneficiaries at the designated government facilities. The beneficiaries are required to pay Rs. 250/- per dose in the private hospitals only. As per the policy no reimbursement has been provisioned if a beneficiary decides to get vaccinated at private empanelled hospitals, therefore the referral for .the same by the. CGHS Wellness Centers to the private hospitals is not required.

2. The planning and operational aspects for COVID-19 vaccination are in the domain of the State Governments. The District Health authorities of the State Governments are making arrangements for listing of the health facilities. for providing training, logistics, vaccinators and the vaccine to the identified facilities where COVID-19 vaccination centers are being planned and started. The CGHS does not have any role in this. A request has been made to all States to consider utilising CGHS Wellness Centres as CVC (Covid Vaccination Centre), if feasible.

3. All the beneficiaries are required to register themselves on the CoWin app and to indicate the name of the CVC where they would like to avail the vaccination and also the convenience of time at which to avail the same.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for registration and booking a vaccination appointment on CoWin:

·         People can register and book an appointment for vaccination either directly through the CoWin portal or through the Arogya Setu app which js integrated with CoWin portal.

·         On CoWin portal, enter your mobile number and click on the OTP (One Time Password). Enter the OTP received on your mobile and click on the verify button.

·         If registering through Aarogya Setu app, go to the CoWin tab, tap on the Vaccination tab and the click on Proceed.

·         A registration page will appear where you will need to fill in the beneficiary’s details, such as name, year of birth and gender. You will also need to enter the photo id type.

·         If the registration is meant for a senior citizen, click on Register. If it’s for a person with co- morbidities, click on YES where the form asks, “Do you have any co-morbidities (pre- existing medical conditions)”. The beneficiaries in this category need to carry a medical certificate when they go for their vaccine appointment.

·         Once registered, a confirmation message will be sent to your registered mobile number.

·         After registration, the system will show the “Account Details”. On this page, you can add three more beneficiaries by clicking on Add More button.

·         One person can add up to four people linked with one mobile number.

·         You can schedule an appointment by clicking on a calendar icon, below a column named Action.

·         You will then be taken to “Book Appointment for Vaccination” page where you will need to fill in the beneficiaries’ address details – State/UT, District, Block and Pincode. Click on the Search button once done.

·         A list of vaccination centres will appear based on the search criteria.

·         Upon choosing a centre, the available slots (date and capacity) will be displayed.

·         After selection the dates, click on “Book”.

·         A confirmation page with “Appointment Successful” message will be displayed.

·         If you want to reschedule, you can again log in with your mobile number, enter OTP and make the changes by clicking on the edit icon below the ‘Action’ column against registered individuals. In case you have to move to another city, you can make changes to find the nearest vaccination centre as well.

 

4. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.

Sd/-
(Dr Sanjay Jain)
Director CGHS

 

 FUNCTIONING OF TRAINING INSTITUTIONS OF CENTRAL / STATE GOVERNMENTS – REVISED SOP: DOPT

No.19011/ 1/2020-TFA
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
(Training Division)

*********

Old JNU Campus, New Delhi
Dated the 25th March, 2021

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Functioning of Training Institutions of Central / State Governments – Revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) – reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Ministry of Home Affairs’ Order No.40-3/ 2020-DM-I(A) dated 27th January, 2021 vide which guidelines for containment of Covid-19 in the country were issued.

2. DoP&T vide its guidelines dated 3rd July, 2020 had permitted functioning of Central and State Training Institutions. As all activities have now been allowed by MHA in terms of its guidelines dated 27th January, 2021, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated 3rd July, 2020 has been reviewed and a Revised SOP has now been formulated. In view of the aforesaid, a Revised SOP to be followed by the Training Institutes of Central / State Governments is attached.

3. The Revised SOP (Annexure) supersedes this Department’s OM of even no. dated 3rd July, 2020 and shall be in force until further orders.

Encl: As above.

(D. Ramesh Babu)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Annexure

Sub: Functioning of Training Institutions of Central / State Governments – Revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) – reg.

Ref: Guidelines for Surveillance, Containment and Caution as annexed to Ministry of Home Affairs’ Order dated 27.01.2021 and DoPT guidelines of even no. dated 3rd July, 2020.

DoP&T vide its guidelines dated 3rd July, 2020 had permitted functioning of Central and State Training Institutions. As all activities have now been allowed by MHA in terms of its guidelines dated 27th January, 2021, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated 3rd July, 2020 has been reviewed and a Revised SOP has now been formulated. The Central and State Training Institutes shall maintain abundant caution and follow strictly the Revised SOP outlined below to avoid spread of Covid-19 during conducting classroom based training classes for trainee officers.

I. General Guidelines

• While conducting the classroom based training programmes, the Training Institutes shall take all necessary measures to observe Covid-19 compliant behavior and ensure wearing of face masks, hand hygiene and social distancing, as prescribed by Central and State / District Health authorities from time to time.
• All Class rooms, Staff Rooms, offices, hostels, Corridors, Lobbies, Common areas and washrooms etc. should be thoroughly cleaned / sanitized regularly as per procedure prescribed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• With a view to ensure safety, on best effort basis, the Training Institutes should ensure that the Arogya Setu app is downloaded and installed by all trainees/ other staff and faculty having compatible phones.
• Training Institutes should notify Nodal Officers for COVID related administrative responsibilities and also constitute Committees with clear demarcation of roles especially for COVID related matters.
• All the trainees and personnel of the Training Institutes should be encouraged to proactively disclose their health status to the Institute medical authorities.
• All the required facilities for isolating / quarantining of symptomatic patients and for treating of staff/ faculty/ trainees with flu like symptoms may be ensured, in consultation with Health Departments.
• Entry of staff, employees, visitors, etc. in the Institute premises should be regulated by way of screening as per the prescribed protocols.
• Hand sanitizers should be made available at all entry / exit points, outside classrooms, buildings, cafeteria, washrooms and other prominent in the Institute
• Adequate care should be taken when people belonging to categories that may have a higher health risk participate in the training courses. Such people may include pregnant women; lactating mothers; people with prior medical conditions such as severe asthma or chronic lung disease; high BP; chronic kidney disease; serious heart condition; and any other medical condition that has a potential high risk in the COVID environment in the opinion of a medical expert; and any other category / symptom as notified from time to time.

II. Arrival of trainee officers in Training Institutes

• The Training Institutes should verify the health status of trainee officers on Arogya SetuApp upon their arrival in the Institute.
• On arrival in the Training Institute, the Institute will ensure compliance with the quarantine requirement as per the concerned State Government guidelines.
• Basic screening of trainees should be done on their arrival at the designated locations and only then be allowed to proceed to their allotted rooms in secured and sanitized hostels.
• Training programmes should be so staggered so that all trainees have sufficient space in the hostel and there is no overcrowding in the hostel or at common facilities.
• Special emphasis should be placed on frequent sanitization of common facilities/ rooms/ washrooms/ sports area/ restaurants etc.
• Movement of trainees within the campus should generally be restricted . Avoidable get togethers / group activities should be discouraged.
• Minimal number of trainees should be accommodated in the dormitories.
• Separate hostel room should be allotted to each trainee as far as possible. In no case, more than 2 trainees be accommodated in a single hostel room.
• In case, any trainee develops flu like symptoms or is tested positive for COVID 19, he / she should be immediately shifted to a separate quarantine facility / designated hospital in terms of the protocols issued by the local health authorities.

III. Classroom Sessions

• The trainees should attend the classrooms while maintaining social distancing, using face masks and observing safety measures as prescribed.
• Sufficient flow of fresh air / ventilation should be ensured in the lecture halls/ classrooms. Air Conditioners should be sanitized / cleaned as per prescribed guidelines.
• Time gaps may be provided between the training sessions so as to avoid continuous sittings in the same room.
• Reading materials and case studies etc. should be made available in advance to the trainees so as to shorten the classroom session time, wherever possible.
• Tea/ coffee and water etc. should be served in disposable cups/ glasses, as far as possible.
• Basic screening including temperature scan may be carried out on daily basis for all the officer Trainees attending classes. Trainees found to have temperature above the normal range (that could be because of any kind of flu) may self-isolate themselves till such time COVID 19 infection is ruled out.
• The trainees kept under quarantine should attend classes virtually from their room.

IV. Physical activities and Outdoors

• All the indoor facilities like gym, yoga, swimming pool etc. should be operated as per the directions of the Central / State Government.
• Social / cultural events or gathering or functions may be avoided as far as possible during the training period.
• Outstation visits may be undertaken only after assessing the COVID 19 situation at the place of travel / halts during journeys and travel related restrictions

V. Mess and Dining:

• Meal timings may be staggered appropriately with adequate intervals. A suitable time table may be disseminated to all concerned with a view to minimize the time spent in the mess/ dining hall with other trainee officers.
• Mess supervisors should ensure that all trainees and mess staff wash hands properly before entry into mess/ kitchen. Touch-free hand sanitizers may be installed outside the mess/ dining halls.
• Sufficient distance should be observed by all while inside the mess/ dining hall. Seating should be so organized that the trainees do not face each other while having their meals.
• Sharing of utensils-dishes, cups, soaps, towels etc. should be banned.

VI. General

• The officer trainees may be allowed to go out of the campus or stay outside the campus only with the prior approval of the Course Director or any other officer authorized by the Director of the Institute.
• Entry of visitors in the Hostel premises should not normally be permitted, except with the prior approval of authority specified by the Director of the Institute.
• Efforts may be made to make available all the essential items such as stationery, snacks, toiletries, eatables, tea/ coffee etc. within the campus.
• Immunity boosting products as recommended by the Medical Authorities and M/ o AYUSH should be encouraged for use.
• While using lifts, the relevant etiquettes for social distancing should be strictly followed.
• In case a trainee tests positive, sanitization of the area/ Institution may be done as per protocols of Central and State / District Health authorities.
• As far as possible the staff deputed for hostels / cafeteria / gym / training classes / administration should be provided accommodation to stay within the campus. Entry of outside staff should be restricted in areas · where trainee officers are accommodated / trained.
• The trainees should be encouraged to take up self-cleaning of their rooms / use washing machines / use Laundromats so as to avoid contacts with others.
• Decision on physical activities inside the campus may be taken by the Institution depending upon availability of sufficient space, based on the relevant guidelines issued by the concerned State Government / UT Administration.

Click here to view/download the pdf

Cabinet approved Vineet Pandey as SecretaryPosts

 

 

 

 

 

RAISING OF MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT FOR JOB ASPIRANTS 

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Raising of Maximum Age Limit for Job Aspirants
Posted On: 25 MAR 2021 12:29PM by PIB Delhi

For recruitment to Central Government posts, the recruiting agencies, such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), have been making necessary arrangements for conduct of examinations in a safe manner considering the COVID-19 Pandemic safety protocols. While conducting Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination-2020 on 04.10.2020, the UPSC also gave an option to the candidates to change the centre for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination-2020 so that candidates who had moved to a different location before/during the COVID-19 pandemic could also appear in the Examination. As such, the need for increasing the maximum age limit for recruitment to various categories of posts under the Central Government, due to the pandemic and lockdown in the country, does not arise. Insofar as the increase in maximum age limit by two years for all the eligible unemployed youths, who are seeking State Government jobs is concerned, it is for the concerned State Governments to decide.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to questions in Rajya Sabha today.

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RECRUITMENT OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS 

 Rajya Sabha (Q & A), dtd 25/03/2021
CLICK HERE for details & copy (7 pages)

MACP

 

Divisional Conference of Delhi Stg. Dn

 Divisional Conference of All India RMS & MMS Employees union Group’C’ of       Delhi Stg Dn was held on 26 March 21 at Rec Club RMS Bhawan under the presidentship of Com Suresh Chand Pathak which was addressed by Coms Giri Raj Singh Ex President NFPE and General Secretary R-III, K C Verma Ex CS R-III ,Jagdish Prasad Ex Tr CHQ, A K Gautam Ex Tr CHQ R3 Satbir Singh DS R-III MMS Dn and other leaders 

 

 

TRANSIT SECTIONS

 

WELFARE SCHEMES

 Government of India
Ministry of Communication
Department of Posts
(Welfare & Sports Section)
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001.
    No. 20-9/2017-WL & SP    Dated: 19.2.2021
 
To,
 
All Heads of Circle
 
Subject: Increasing awareness of Welfare Scheme for Departmental and GDS Employees.
 
Sir/Madam,
The enclosed brief pamphlet has been written with a view to enhance the awareness of Departmental Employees and other about the availability of Welfare Schemes as well as their   families.
This has been written in brief for circulation to One and All under your Circle — use of social media may kindly be considered for wider publicity.
 
Encl: as above
 
Sukhdev Raj)
 Member (Planning    and HRD)
Copy to:
 Sr. PPS to Secretary (Posts)/PPS to DG (Posts).
(ii)    PPS/PS to All Members, Postal Services Board/Addnl. DG (Coord.)
(iii)    Secretary, Postal Services Board
(iv)    CGM, Business Development Directorate (v)    CGM, Postal Life Insurance Directorate.
(vi)    All Postal Training Centers.
(vii)    SO (Admin), Dak Bhawan, with a respect to upload it on e-office.
(viii)    The GM, CEPT, Mysore, for uploading it of India Post’s Website.
 
1 Financial assistance in cases of natural calamities like fire and flood, prolonged illness and serious illness/major surgeries Financial assistance for nutritive diet for indoor treatment to regular employees & dependent of his family in case of suffering from T.B,
2 .Financial assistance to family member of the diseased in case of death / due to terrorist activity / dacoity while on duty  / while on duty due to accidents/terrorist, robber’s activity etc while not on duty.
3.Financial assistance for extra ordinary leave & HPL due to prolonged illness (min 2 months) (BP upto Rs 65200/-), financial assistance for purchase of mechanical /motorized tricycle for orthopedically handicapped departmental employees.
4.Financial assistance for excursion trips (4-5 days/700km): 60% cost of railway fare. (BP upto Rs 65200/-)
5.Financial assistance to the Central Postal Ladies Organization and its subordinate organization in the circles, financial assistance to recreation club, facility for booking of holiday home.
6.Incentive for excellence is academic achievement for 10th and 12th class (the first five student in each group will be awarded).
7.Scholarship for UPSC examinations — Rs 2000/- only once to each child.
8.Scholarship for development of individual personality (BP-44900/-) Personnel and labour management, Public relations, sociology, social work, sports (NIS) welfare accounting, computer programming, industrial relations and banking- @75% or max Rs 2000/-.  
9.    Grant of scholarship and transports charges to handicapped (40%), children (max 2) of postal employees (BP upto Rs 77900/-).
10.    Scholarship for SC/ST employees for departmental examination and higher education. Examination for promotion to the cadre of ‘IPOs/lRMs /JAO/AAO examination and similar cadre. Examination for promotion to the cadre of Junior Accountants in the Postal Accounts, UDC and other similar cadre. Examination for promotion to the post of Postal Assistants, Sorting Assistants, Stores and other similar cadre., Higher Study 10th and 12th class, and Degree/Diploma or P.G Degree.
 
For GDS
 
1 .Education allowance of Rs.6000 annual (per child) is admissible for first two children.
2.    Financial Assistance in cases of natural calamities, like fire, floods etc. Rs.5000/-
3.    Financial assistance in case of GDS Employee suffering from COVID-19 Rs. 20000/- (Maximum)
4.    Financial Assistance to Families of deceased GDSs Rs. 10,000/-,
5.    Death due to terrorist activity/dacoity, while on duty Rs.   In case of death due to riots, attack by robbers & terrorist while not on duty Rs. 12,000/-, in case of GDSs while being on duty due to accident Rs. 25,000/-, Funeral Expenses on death of GDS (payable in cases in which last rites of deceased GDS are performed by brothers or sisters or near relatives in the absence of any other next of kin) Rs.5,000/-
6.    Financial assistance in case of major surgical operations in ailments, like cancer, brain haemorrhage, kidney failure/transplant, heart surgery etc. Rs. 20,000/-, in case of accident of GDS while being on duty, requiring hospitalization for more than three days Rs. 5,000/-
7.    Financial Assistance to nutritional diet to GDS suffering from TB (only once for a maximum period of six months, provided the GDS has put in at least six years of services & treatment is taken in government hospital). Indoor Treatment — Rs. 400 p.m Outdoor treatment — Rs. 200 p.m.
8.    Grant of Scholarship under educational Schemes to the children of GDS (as per existing terms & Conditions). IIT, AllMS and 11M Rs. 1000/pm, For Technical degree course, Rs.280/- p.m., for Diploma courses Rs.190/p.m., for BA, BSc., B.com Degree courses Rs. 150/-p.m., for ITI certificate course Rs. 940/-p.a.
9.    Incentive for excellence in academic achievement for 10th and 12th Class. In circle/region for IS Position Rs.1000/-for 2 nd position 800/-, for 3 rd position Rs. 700/-, for 4th position Rs.600/-, for 5 th position Rs.500/10. Scholarship for physically handicapped children of GDS (for maximum 8 years & as per the existing terms & conditions) Rs.200 p.m.
11.    REPAYABLE LOAN (as per the existing terms & conditions)
12.    ONE TIME REPAYMENT AT THE TIME OF RETIREMENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

PRESS NEWS

LIFE CERTIFICATE TO ELDERLY PENSION HOLDERS

 Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Life Certificate to Elderly Pension Holders

Posted On: 24 MAR 2021 4:42PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has taken many technical and managerial measures for providing Life Certificate easily to elderly pension holders by concerned institutions/banks. The details are as under:-

            Keeping in view the difficulties faced by very senior citizens aged 80 years and above, an exclusive window from 1st October onwards, has been provided to them to avoid the general rush from 1st November onwards.

 Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare started a Pilot Programme “DLC from home campaign” in 2018 in 7 cities through Pensioners’ Associations. The objective of the campaign was to extend support to aged and infirm pensioners in submission of Life Certificate digitally from home. In 2019, this project was expanded to cover 24 cities and this has continued up to 2021 as well, with the help of Registered Pensioners’ Associations

Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare roped in the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and utilized its huge network of Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks in providing doorstep home facility to pensioners for submission of life certificate digitally. As a result a huge number of pensioners across the country shall be able to avail doorstep home service through Postmen/ Gramin Dak Sevak by paying a nominal amount, without queuing up at bank branches.

     In some cases due to fading bio-metrics, aged pensioners' finger bio-metrics are not captured by the bio-metric devices. Keeping in view such difficulties, IRIS enabled devices have been provided by this department to Pensioners’ Associations which is more effective and convenient. Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare is also instrumental in roping in an Alliance comprising 12 Public Sector Banks which does “Doorstep Banking” for its customers in 100 major cities of the country under Ease of banking reforms. As a result, Public Sector Banks (PSB) Alliance has introduced the service for collection of Life Certificates under the umbrella of Doorstep Banking. This Department also issued instructions, whereby the Banks were directed to resort to Video based Customer Identification Process for obtaining a Life Certificate within the guidelines of RBI which will obviate the need to resort to a bio-metric enabled device.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to  questions in  Lok  Sabha today.

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SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES FOR ORGANISED AND UNORGANISED SECTOR

 Ministry of Labour & Employment

Social Security Schemes for

Organised and Unorganised Sector

Posted On: 24 MAR 2021 3:23PM by PIB Delhi

 

As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) carried out by the National Sample Survey Organisation of the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation,  in the year 2017-18, the total employment in both organized and unorganised sector in the country was around  47 crores. Out of this, around 9 crores are engaged in the organized sector and the balance of 38 crores are in the unorganized sector.

The categories of the workers have been divided into three categories i.e.

1. Establishments with 10 or more workers;
2. Establishments with 20 or more workers;
3. Workers engaged in unorganised sector

The ESI Act, 1948 is Social Security legislation applicable to all factories & notified establishments employing ten or more persons, which are located in ESI notified areas and as such it does not apply to the unorganised sector. Employees earning wages up to Rs 21,000 per month (Rs 25,000/- in the case of persons with disability) are coverable under ESI Scheme and are entitled to all benefits available under ESI Act, 1948. At present the ESI Scheme stands extended to 575 districts in 35 States/ Union territories. The total number of Insured Persons covered under ESI Scheme as on 31.03.2020 are 3.41 crore and the total beneficiaries are 13.24 crore. ESI contributions @ 4% are paid by employers, of which the employees or workers contribute to the extent of 0.75% of their wages and the employers contribute to the extent of 3.25% of their wages. Such contributions entitle them to all benefits available under the ESI Act.

The benefits of social security to the workers employed in organised sector   establishments with 20 or more workers under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 are extended through following three schemes:

·         The Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952;

·         The Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995;

·         The Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1976.

The Employer and Employee both contribute @ 12% of wages towards provident fund. Out of this, 8.33% is diverted towards pension Fund. Employer also contributes to EDLI Scheme @ 0.5 % of wages.  During the year 2019-20, 4.89 crores members contributed under the Scheme.

For the workers engaged in the Unorganised sector, social security benefits are being addressed through the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008. The Act empowers the Central Government to provide Social Security benefits to unorganised sector workers by formulating suitable welfare schemes on matters relating to (i) life and disability cover, (ii) health and maternity benefits, (iii) old age protection and (iv) any other benefit as may be determined by the Central Government.  The State Governments are also empowered to formulate suitable welfare schemes on the matters regarding housing, provident funds,   educational schemes, skill upgradation, old age homes etc.

Life and disability cover is provided through Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Surksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). Benefits under the schemes are  for Rs.2 lakh on death due to any cause & permanent disability , Rs.1.0 Lakh on  partial disability   and Rs.4 lakh on death  due to accident  to the unorganised workers at the annual premium of Rs.342/- (Rs.330/- for PMJJBY + Rs.12/- for PMSBY) depending upon their eligibility.

The eligible Unorganised Workers can avail the scheme from their respective banks at annual premium of Rs. 342/-. As on 30.12.2020, 9.70 and 21.87 crore people have been enrolled under PMJJBY and PMSBY respectively.

The health and maternity benefits are addressed through Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) which is a universal health scheme administrated by the National Health Authority. The number of eligible beneficiaries under Social Economic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 on the basis of select deprivation and occupational criteria across rural and urban areas is 10.74 Crore families (50 crore people). The Scheme gives flexibility to States/UTs to run their own health protection scheme in alliance with AB-PMJAY. The States/UTs implementing AB-PMJAY have further expanded the coverage of the scheme to include 13.13 crore families (65 crore people).

For old age protection to unorganised sector workers including  traders, shopkeepers and self- employed persons, the Government has launched two flagship schemes namely Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-DhanYojana (PM-SYM) and National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeeper and Self-Employed Persons (NPS- Traders).  Under the schemes, beneficiaries are entitled to receive minimum monthly assured pension of Rs.3000/- after attaining the age of 60 years. The workers in the age group of 18-40 years whose monthly income is below Rs.15000/- can join the PM-SYM scheme and Traders, shop keepers and self-employed persons whose annual turnover is not exceeding Rs.1.5 crore can join NPS – Traders scheme.  These are voluntary and contributory pension schemes and monthly contribution ranges from Rs.55 to Rs.200 depending upon the entry age of the beneficiary. Under both the schemes, 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. Both the schemes are being implemented in all the States/UTs of India.  The details of numbers of beneficiaries as on 28.02.2021 under PMSYM and NPS Traders, 44.90 Lakh and 43,700 respectively.

This information was given by Minister of State (I/C) for Labour & Employment Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.