Odisha Labour Welfare Fund Table of Contents
The Odisha Labour Welfare Fund is a State Government initiative that aims to improve the welfare and quality of life of workers in various sectors. The Fund extends its benefits to nearly all businesses and employees in the state, which shows the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
This blog provides details of the employer’s contribution to the Fund and the applicable regulations. HR professionals and employers must collaborate to implement these regulations effectively.
Odisha Labour Welfare Fund Act
The Odisha Labour Welfare Fund is an initiative by the State Government. It aims at improving the conditions of workers and enhancing their overall welfare and quality of life. It includes various welfare measures designed to provide financial, medical, educational, and recreational assistance to workers and their families.
Odisha LWF is financed by contributions from employers, employees, and the government. It ensures access to essential services for those who need them most, which has a substantial impact on the fund. This delivers immediate and long-term relief for enhanced socio-economic status to the Odisha labour force.
Odisha Labour Welfare Fund Rules
The Odisha Labour Welfare Fund Rules, 2015 outlines the procedures for making payments to the Fund, depositing contributions, and maintaining registers. They also cover the conduct of Board meetings and the preparation of the Board’s budget. These rules apply throughout the entire state of Odisha.
- Payment and contribution procedures specify how payments to the Fund and deposits are to be handled.
- Record-keeping mandates the maintenance of registers for proper record-keeping.
- Board meetings detail the procedures for conducting board meetings.
- Budget management covers the preparation and oversight of the Board’s budget.
Odisha Labour Welfare Fund Applicability
Odisha LWF applies to almost every establishment and employee in the state. Its applicability has been defined to extend its benefits to the maximum number of workers.
Establishments
The Odisha LWF extends to every factory, workshop, plantation, motor transport undertaking, and other commercial establishment. Applicability is determined by specific thresholds concerning the number of employees and the nature of the business.
Employees
The fund covers all employees working in the applicable establishments, including permanent, temporary, and contractual workers. However, there may be specific exclusions based on the wage ceiling or the nature of employment as defined by the rules.
Government and Private Sectors
Government employees and private-sector employees who serve in applicable establishments are also entitled to the fund. Its inclusiveness assures a wide range of workers who will be covered under the fund’s welfare measures.
Geographical Coverage
The fund is applicable throughout the state of Odisha. This will ensure that workers in urban and rural areas alike can benefit from the welfare initiatives.
Odisha Labour Welfare Fund Benefits
The Odisha Labour Welfare Board promises to assist registered construction workers and their families with the proper welfare schemes. It looks after the economic security, health, and education worries of the families and workers. Some of the advantages proposed under such programs are:
Accident Relief Scheme
All registered construction workers who meet with an accident leading to death, permanent disablement, or temporary disablement.
Scheme Benefits
In case a worker dies, a lump-sum compensation amount is allotted to the dependents. For permanent disablement, a lump-sum compensation amount is allocated based on the degree of disablement. Workers also receive financial assistance for the period in which they are unable to work due to disablement.
Claim Process
The worker or dependent must fill out a claim form and submit it along with the necessary documents to the District Labour Officer.
Maternity Benefit Scheme
Registered female construction workers who have worked for a minimum of 180 days in contribution to the Odisha LWF during the past 12 months.
Benefits
Odisha LWF sanctions financial assistance to all registered regiments who, adhering to the eligibility conditions, incur maternity-related expenses and maternity leave. These financial supports extend the opportunity to meet the high healthcare costs pertaining to birth and focus their time on their health and newborns.
Claim Process
The worker has to fill out a claim form supported by a doctor’s certificate showing that the woman is a bearing mother and is due for delivery to the District Labour Officer.
Education Scholarship Scheme
Children of registered construction workers studying from Class 1 to Post Graduation.
Benefits
Scholarships awarded to students are based on their academic performance and family income.
Claiming Process
The worker must complete the scholarship application form along with the child’s mark sheets, income certificate, and other necessary documents as required.
Medical Scheme
Registered construction workers and their family members are eligible to receive benefits under this scheme.
Benefits
The scheme provides the participants with expenditures relating to medical checkups during hospitalization and other medical surgeries of the specified nature.
Claiming Process
Workers must furnish the district labour officer with hospital bills, medical reports, and other supporting documents.
Housing Scheme
The registered construction worker with a maximum income limit criterion who does not own a pucca house
Benefits
Financial aid is provided to the construction worker who constructs or procures the pucca house.
Claiming Process
Willing workers may submit an application form, proof of income, and proof of land ownership, if available, to the District Labour Officer.
Registration Process for Workers and Employers
Benefits begin to accrue after registration with the Odisha Labour Welfare Board (OLWB). For workers and employers in the construction sector to be included in these welfare schemes, the two must go through the registration process.
For Workers
The process for registering workers is simple. They can register online, on the official website of OLWB, or by physically visiting the District Labour Office nearest them. Documents usually required for registration are:
- Identity proof documents (Aadhaar Card and Voter ID)
- Address proof (Ration Card and Electricity Bill)
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Bank account details
For Employers
Employers of an establishment with 20 or more workers, covered under the Odisha Labour Welfare Fund Act, 2005, must register with the OLWF. Employers can apply for registration through the OLWB website or by physical submission with the District Labour Office. Employers have to submit the following:
- Company registration documents
- Details of the employees to be covered
- Wages paid details
Odisha Labour Welfare Fund Contributions
Under the Odisha Labour Welfare Fund Act, the employee and the employer contribute to labour welfare schemes. This is a shared contribution and key to creating a feeling of collective well-being among the workers.
Frequency: Half Yearly
Date of Deduction: 30 June and 31 December
Returns: 15 July and 15 January
Contribution
Employee: ₹10
Employer: ₹20
Total: ₹30
Conclusion
The Odisha Labour Welfare Fund Act is the guiding light for construction workers in the state. Under the aegis of these welfare measures, the OLWF ensures the financial security of workers in distress and provides educational avenues for their children. From accident relief to maternity benefits and scholarships, OLWB addresses lifesaving needs and helps secure a bright future for those who create the foundation of our infrastructure.
Register with the OLWF today and take advantage of this opportunity. Employers can play a vital role by registering their establishments and contributing to the OLWF. Working together, let’s provide a more secure and dignified working environment for the backbone of Odisha’s construction industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Odisha Labour Welfare Fund?
The OLWF is an initiative by the State Government aimed at enhancing the welfare and quality of life of workers. It provides financial, medical, educational, and recreational assistance, funded through contributions from employers, employees, and the government.
Who is Eligible to Register as a Construction Worker Under the OLWF?
Anyone engaged in manual or skilled labour for the construction, repair, maintenance, or demolition of buildings, roads, bridges, canals, dams, or other civil engineering works can register with the OLWB.
How Do Employers Register With the Odisha Labour Welfare Board (OLWB)?
Employers can register with the OLWB online through the official website or by visiting the nearest District Labour Office. Required documents include company registration documents, details of employees to be covered, and wage payment details.
What Are the Benefits of Employers Registering With the OLWF?
By registering with the OLWB, employers fulfill their legal obligations under the Odisha LWF Act. This contributes to the welfare of their workers, increasing their morale and loyalty, and ensures a more secure and dignified working environment.
Who Are the Employers Required to Register With the OLWB?
Establishments employing 20 or more workers and falling under the purview of the Odisha LWF Act, 2005, are mandated to register with the OLWB.
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