Workers Welfare Foundation Bill likely to be passed in next JS session

Sources at the Parliament said the bill was placed in the house during the last session of the current parliament.

The main objective of the bill is to support the affected or family members and dependents of dead workers in any factory accident through grants and implementation of various projects.

The proposed bill is also aimed at extending financial assistance to the disabled workers, meeting medical expenses of injured workers, providing stipend to the wards of the labourers and introduction of group insurance.

Trade union and human rights organisations that are working for garments workers demanding for the last one year to establish a foundation for ensuring welfare of the affected or dead workers in the factory incident after the Spectrum tragedy in Saver.

The proposed Board of Foundation will comprise 21 members headed by the labour and employment minister. Of the remaining 20 members, 10 will be government officials and five each from trade union bodies and the owners.

The fund of the foundation will be created through individual grant, and government and industrial donations.

Besides, the companies those deposit money in the 'Workers Welfare Fund' under "Companies Profits (Workers Participation) Act, 1968", will have to transfer 50 percent of the fund to the foundation within 45 days.