Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant unveiled five new worker-centric welfare schemes, including a digital literacy programme, elderly medical care allowance, financial aid for competitive exam coaching, reimbursement of tuition fees for higher studies and insurance cover under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).Speaking on the occasion of International Labor Day, Sawant said that 1.4 lakh workers are registered with the labor department. He said that all private sector companies should register their employees with the regional employment exchange. He said that only when the private sector registers with government can the labor department ensure that the benefits of the schemes reach the workers.“Very often in accidental deaths, the company pays compensation and there is also insurance. From govt’s side, through PMSBY, it will now be compulsory to tie up with banks and pay the insurance premium. If a worker meets with an accident, up to Rs 2 lakh will be given to the family. This benefit will support the family,” said Sawant.He also announced that family members of construction workers would receive Rs 50,000 if the construction worker dies at the job site. The labor department has 10,000 construction workers registered in Goa. “Construction is risky work and if a worker dies, then govt will give Rs 50,000 to the family of the construction worker, while Rs 25,000 will be paid as a one time compensation for a construction worker who suffers a serious injury,” said Sawant.Sawant said govt will provide Rs 15,000 check to private sector workers who have completed 20 years of service as a one time benefit. Govt will congratulate them for doing good work.The chief minister said that the schemes are designed to enhance worker protection and promote inclusive and sustainable growth.Sawant said that tuition fee reimbursement up to Rs 60,000 per year for higher education through the CM Scholarship Fund and coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). He also said that financial aid will be provided to children of employees who pursue competitive examinations such as GPSC, UPSC, NEET and JEE. The labor department has also expanded higher education support through tuition fee reimbursement for courses including MBBS, engineering, LLM, MBA and research programs.
