West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund

1. Labour Welfare Fund
2. West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund

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Established through the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1974, the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund is a statutory initiative. It is used to provide financial, educational, and medical assistance to the employees and their dependents in the state.

The WB Labour Welfare Fund Act mandates that employees and employers pay a certain amount as a contribution to the fund. The mode of payment of the contribution is specified in the WB LWF rules. Lastly, the fund is collected and managed by WB Labour Welfare Fund Board, and employers are required to register with the board to submit their LWF contributions.

What is the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund?

The West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund is a pool of money collected by the government for improving the living and working conditions of employees. Legally, section three of the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Act provides for the fund. The act also constitutes the WB Labor Welfare Fund Board.

The board manages the fund by following the procedures outlined in the WB LWF Act and West Bengal LWF rules.

West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Rules: 1976

Here are some of the key rules and their corresponding functions:

• Rule 3: Details the applicability and notice rules for establishments.
• Rule 4: Makes it mandatory for employers to pay unpaid accumulations and fines realized from employees within three months from the due date of payment.
• Rule 5: Obligates employees and employers for paying contributions.
• Rule 10 to 22: Rule 10 provides a form for registration. While rule 11 lists the particulars for obtaining state government contributions. Importantly, rules 12 to 22 detail the procedures for obtaining refunds from the state government.
• Rule 29: Mandates the publication of annual reports by the West Bengal Labor Welfare Fund Board.
• Rule 30: Makes it compulsory for employers to maintain wage registers and other registers for a minimum of 10 years.

West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund: Applicability and Exemptions

The applicability criteria are defined by two provisions:

1. Section two of The West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Act, and
2. Rule 5 of the WB Labour Welfare Fund rules.

Here are the applicability criteria:

1. Any commercial establishment included under section 2(5) of The West Bengal Shops and Establishments Act 1963 is eligible.
2. Factories (as defined in The Factories Act 1948) and tramway or motor transport undertakings can also benefit from the fund.
3. The mentioned establishments must have employed a minimum of 10 employees for any working day in the preceding 12 months to be eligible.
4. Supervisory/managerial employees earning more than INR 1600 per month are not covered under the West Bengal LWF act.

Note that the 2023 amendment to the parant act proposed a threshold of INR 10,000 for managerial/supervisory employees. However, the proposed change is yet to be implemented as of October 2025.

West Bengal Labor Welfare Fund Contribution

Details related to WB Labour Welfare Fund contributions rates are specified in section 9 of the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Act. The due dates of submitting contributions are 15th of January and 15th of July respectively as per rule 5 of WB LWF rules. Here is a table summarizing contribution amounts and deadlines:

West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Benefits

The state government offers a range of benefits including medical assistance, scholarships, and other welfare measures:

Medical Assistance

Provides a ₹15,000 subsidy for the treatment of critical diseases such as cancer, bypass surgery, and kidney transplantation to contributors and their family members.

Educational Benefits

Offers Scholarships and Stipends for workers’ children, supporting studies from Higher Secondary (H.S.) level onwards.

Skill Development & Vocational Training

The program offers computer training to the children of employees with a 50% reimbursement after course completion.

Recreational and Sports Facilities

The WB LWF maintains labour welfare centers and hosts several recreational and cultural activities. In addition, the board also provides financial support for participating in sports events.

How to Claim Benefits under the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund?

Follow these simple steps to easily claim the benefits offered under the WB Labour Welfare Fund:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that the worker/dependent meets all criteria for the desired scheme. For example, minimum marks or specific income limits.

Step 2: Obtain Application Form

Download the scheme-specific application form from the official West Bengal Labour Welfare Board website (wblwb.org) under the “Forms & Procedures” or scheme-specific section, or collect it from the Head Office/Labour Welfare Centers.

Step 3: Gather Relevant Documents

The documents would usually include proof of WB LWF contribution, Aadhar card and bank account details. Specific documents would vary based on different schemes.

Step 4: Submission of Application

Submit the application online or at the office of the welfare commissioner.

Step 5: Verification

Lastly, the board would verify and disburse benefits if all applicants satisfy all the eligibility criteria.

What is the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Registration Process?

Follow this simple step-by-step guide to complete the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Registration Process.

1. Open the Official Link: http://lwf.wblabour.gov.in/wblabour/
2. Click on the button labelled click here under the “online application” section.
3. Fill the details required for formA as shown on the screen.
4. Click save and next.
5. Upload the required documents. *The required documents include licence/registration certificate of a factory/commercial establishment along with identity proof.
6. Read and agree to the declaration, and click submit. You can also save your application by clicking “save as draft’
7. On the next screen, employers will see a printed copy of formA. The registration confirmation and company code would also appear on the screen.

Important Note: Keep in mind the company code for future reference. It will be required to log in to the WB LWF portal.

FAQs

Who is Eligible to Benefit from the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund?

All employees working in factories, shops, and commercial establishments in West Bengal with ten or more workers are covered under the Fund. However, those in managerial or supervisory roles earning above ₹1,600 per month are excluded.

How Can I Contribute to the West Bengal LWF?

Employers are responsible for deducting ₹3 from each employee and adding ₹15 as their own contribution. The total amount is then deposited through the official West Bengal LWF portal using the prescribed forms (Form A and Form D).

What are the Deadlines for Contributing to the West Bengal LWF?

Contributions must be paid twice a year by 15 July for the half-year ending 30 June, and by 15 January for the half-year ending 31 December.

What Penalties Exist for Non-Compliance?

Failure to pay contributions or obstructing inspectors can lead to fines or imprisonment. First offences attract up to three months’ imprisonment or ₹500 fine, while repeat offences can reach six months or ₹1,000. Serious defaults may result in a year’s imprisonment or ₹2,000 fine.