Tamil Nadu - Vellore   

Features of unemployment insurance explained

Special Correspondent

Allowance is available for six months

VELLORE: The features of the Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana (Unemployment Insurance Scheme), introduced by the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) with effect from April 1, 2005, were explained to employers at a seminar organised by ESIC here on Friday.

The Joint Director, ESIC, Chennai, U.S. Hegde said that the scheme was meant for workers who faced sudden unemployment due to retrenchment, closure of the factory/establishment, or disability caused due to non-industrial accident, which resulted in immeasurable difficulties to them.

Under the scheme, unemployment allowance is available for a total period of six months in the lifetime of a worker, and the same can be availed in continuous or broken spells. The benefit shall be available till re-employment or for six months, whichever is earlier. The rate of benefit will be equal to the sickness benefit rate payable monthly, and the respective branch offices will make the payment. Medical benefit shall also be available to the workmen and their families.

G. Ramakrishnan, Deputy Director (benefits), ESIC, Chennai, said that the scheme is applicable only to those who meet the following eligibility criteria: on the date of loss of employment/accident, the worker should be an insured person under the ESIC Scheme; the worker should have contributed to the scheme for five years at the rate of 156 days a year; the five-year period can be in different establishments/factories; the worker should not have availed himself of a similar benefit under any other scheme; and, there shall be a waiting period of one month from the date of loss of employment. Other limitations are that the unemployment due to retrenchment should be in accordance with the Industrial Disputes Act 1947, or should be due to closure of industry. If disabled, the disability should be more than 50 per cent.

The workers can approach the manager of their respective branch offices to avail themselves of the benefit, after completing the necessary formalities.

Representatives of various employers and trade unions pleaded for the provision of super speciality medical care at Vellore, shifting of the ESI dispensary here from the old dilapidated building to new premises, and the extension of the ESIC scheme to new geographical areas.

Representatives of the Nettur Technical Training Foundation, Southern Rubber, Florence Shoes, Vellore District Consumers' Cooperative Wholesale Stores Ltd., Everest Shoe Fabrics, SLS, Arni and Thirumagal Mills, Gudiyatham attended the seminar.

M. Venkadasubbu, vice-president, Tamil Nadu Hotel Owners Association presided over the meeting. P. Kamaraj, branch manager, ESIC, Vellore welcomed the gathering. B.N. Murthy, ESI Inspector, Vellore proposed a vote of thanks.

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