Explore the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund, outlining its eligibility criteria, contribution norms, regulatory directives, and welfare provisions for laborers. Gain an understanding of the legislative framework aimed at enhancing the well-being of workers in West Bengal.
The West Bengal Labour Welfare Board (WBLWB) is an independent and statutory organization operating under the Labour Department of the Government of West Bengal. Established under the Labour Welfare Fund Act of 1974, its primary objective is to advance welfare initiatives for workers and labourers across the state.
West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund
Under the provisions of the Act, the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund was instituted by the government. The Board accumulates contributions from both employees and employers of establishments falling within the Act’s purview, directing them into the Fund. These funds are utilized to foster various welfare measures for workers, encompassing medical, housing, educational, and recreational provisions for labourers, employees, and their families throughout West Bengal.
West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Rules
In addition, the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Rules of 1976 were formulated by the government to regulate the functioning of the Fund. These rules outline procedures for payment of dues, contribution management, disbursement modalities, budgetary processes, and financial audit and reporting requirements. Applicable across the entire state of West Bengal, these regulations govern the administration and utilization of the Fund by established guidelines.
Applicability of the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund:
The West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Act applies to the following types of establishments:
- Factories established under the Factories Act, 1948, with one or more employees.
- Motor transport or tramway undertakings with one or more employees.
- Establishments registered under the West Bengal Shops And Establishments Act, 1963, with ten or more employees.
However, employees in managerial or supervisory roles earning wages exceeding Rs.1,600 per month in the aforementioned establishments are not covered under the Act and thus cannot contribute to the Fund or avail of benefits provided by the Board.
Contribution to the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund:
Employers and employees in establishments covered under the Act are required to contribute to the Fund semi-annually. Contributions are due on the 30th of June and 31st of December each year, with returns to be filed on the 15th of July and 15th of January with the Board.
The contribution amounts for the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund are as follows:
Employer contribution: Rs.15
Employee contribution: Rs.3
Total contribution: Rs.18
Benefits of West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund:
The Board oversees various essential initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of workers:
Organizing Cultural Events and Sports:
The Labour Welfare Centres host a variety of activities, including cultural functions, quizzes, and sports tournaments like volleyball and football, providing entertainment for workers and their families. Additionally, the centres are equipped with recreational facilities such as newspapers, TV, and sports equipment.
Special Programs:
Regional zones conduct cultural and sports events, fostering camaraderie among workers and their families. Winners receive awards for their participation in these competitions.
Scholarships and Stipends:
The Board grants scholarships and stipends to the children of contributing workers, supporting their education from the Higher Secondary level onwards.
Computer and Skill Training:
Labour Welfare Centres offer sewing and cutting technique training and computer literacy courses. Successful trainees are awarded sewing machines, and the Board reimburses 50% of the computer training course fee.
Educational Support:
Free test papers and student exercise books are distributed annually to children appearing for Madhyamik and H.S. examinations.
Medical Assistance:
Subsidies of Rs.15,000 are provided to contributors and their families for critical illnesses like bypass surgery, cancer, or kidney transplantation.
Auditorium Facilities:
Model labour welfare centres feature auditoriums available for rent at nominal rates, providing venues for social, official, and cultural events.
The c working conditions elevate workers’ living standards. Contributors can avail themselves of these facilities and services provided by the Board.
FAQs:
What is the employer and employee contribution for LWF?
The employer contribution for LWF in West Bengal is Rs. 15, while the employee contribution is Rs. 3, making the total contribution Rs. 18.
Is labour welfare and employee welfare the same?
Labour welfare and employee welfare are closely related concepts but not entirely synonymous. Labour welfare encompasses broader initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of workers and their families, including health, education, recreation, and social security, while employee welfare specifically refers to the benefits and amenities provided by employers to their employees within the workplace.
How many types of labour welfare are there?
Labour welfare encompasses various types of initiatives, including health and medical assistance, housing facilities, educational support, recreational activities, financial aid, and vocational training, among others. These initiatives aim to enhance the overall quality of life and working conditions of labourers. Labour welfare encompasses various types of initiatives, including health and medical assistance, housing facilities, educational support, recreational activities, financial aid, and vocational training, among others. These initiatives aim to enhance the overall quality of life and working conditions of labourers.
