ESIC and EPF for construction workers
Posted on: 21/Sep/2016 10:34:35 AM
Union Minister of Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya while speaking in the inaugural session of the National Conference on Labour mentioned that the central government is planning to extend benefits under the ESIC and EPF for construction workers, while auto and cycle-rickshaw drivers and Anganwadi and ASHA workers would get benefits of ESIC in a phased manner.
Bandaru Dattatreya stated that the states already have Rs 27,886 crore with them from the construction sector cess but only Rs 5,800 crore have been spent by the states for the welfare of the construction workers. Though there is good revenue from tax of construction business, the state governments do not bother about the laborers. Rs 22,086 crore remain unspent and lies in the treasuries of the state governments. These funds should be judiciously spent for the welfare of the construction workers. The union minister said though the Odisha state government has Rs 940 crore deposits from the construction sector cess, the state has so far spent only Rs 120 crore. The Minister was worried over diversion of the welfare funds meant for the construction workers.
Union Minister of Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya further said: The cess amount for construction workers should be utilized under four heads – health, education, skill development and social security including pension. But, that is not happening in many states.The Supreme Court has also raised question on unspent funds collected as cess in construction sector. There are 44 laws for protection of the labourers. They should be implemented properly,
