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Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad
By Our Staff Reporter
Talking to presspersons after visiting two hospitals, one run by the ESI and the other by the State Government, the Minister said he had already written to the Chief Ministers on term appointments. He described the contract system of work as a "big boon" to both employers and workers. Those employed would get regular wages. "If they work well they will get incentives and if they don't they will have to go." He announced that about 50 lakh persons working in the unorganised sector throughout the country would be given social security card/numbers by March 31 next year. The Government would contribute 1.16 per cent of the wage of a worker towards his pension. The social security card/number would enable a workman to avail himself of the benefits even if he shifts the area of work. In a landmark decision for the benefit of workers in the unorganised sector, the Government has decided to provide Rs. 20,000 to each family comprising five persons for treatment. An amount of Rs.50 would be paid to each family member in case of hospitalisation. In case of death Rs.1 lakh insurance would be provided. These facilities would also be extended to the self-employed persons in the unorganised sector. The Minister said the Centre was increasing the ceiling limit on expenditure to be incurred by the States on the employees enjoying ESI cover from Rs.600 to Rs.750 per head. "This is a big relief for the State Governments as they can provide more facilities to employees" enjoying benefits extended by 142 hospitals throughout the country -- 120 run by the States and 22 by the ESI Corporation. The Centre, Mr. Verma stated, would permit the States to provide facilities like separate wards for attendants of patients in hospitals where space is available. The attendants could utilise the facility to cook food. They would also be provided items like pillows and bedsheets, like in trains, on payment of nominal charges. In such hospitals as lacked space for providing wards, the Government would permit private organisations to construct "dharmashalas" for the benefit of attendants. The Minister cited the example of the Satya Sai Society which was providing such facility in ESI hospital at Sanatnagar, here. The department would provide supply of power to the wards. Such facilities would give relief to both patients and their families. The Government, he said, would also permit the States to add any important equipment to ESI hospitals. The equipment could be made available by private persons/organisations on the hospital campus. The Central Government would bear the cost. For acquiring other equipment, the Government would give permission within a week. Either the States themselves could purchase this equipment or the ESIs would be allowed to do so. Referring to training institutions being run by the Labour Ministry, such as advance training institutes (ATI) and electronic processing institute (API), the Minister said their capacity would be doubled. The staff would now work on two shifts. These institutes would train free of cost 240 roadside workers in courses like refrigeration and electrician. The trainees would be paid Rs.150 each for a 10-day course. About 100 persons would be trained in 12 courses like heavy/light motor mechanic.
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