Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Table of Contents
The Punjab Labour Welfare Fund is a statutory fund established under the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1965. This fund provides for the social security and welfare of the workers in the state.
The LWF Punjab Board publishes notices for unclaimed wages that are to be transferred to the fund after a certain period if not claimed. This is done through Section 9(3) of the Act.
Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act
The Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act 1965 is the legislation that provides the legal background for this scheme, called the PLW Fund. The Act sets out how the fund shall be used, as well as its objectives, outcomes, and arrangements. It ensures the proper collection, expenditure, and distribution of funds to eligible workers.
The PLWF primarily targets low-income workers across various sectors in Punjab. By providing financial assistance and social benefits, the fund empowers these workers to overcome economic hardships and improve their overall quality of life.
Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Rules
This fund is governed by the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1965, and the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Rules, 1966. The rules help regulate the administration and usage of the welfare fund for workers in Punjab.
- The fund applies to establishments with 10 or more employees during the preceding 12 months.
- Employees contribute ₹5 and employers ₹20 per person each month, making the total ₹25 per employee per month.
- Employee contributions must be deducted from wages and remitted along with the employer’s contribution.
- The contributions are to be paid monthly, on 15th April (for the October to March period) and 15th October (for the April to September period).
- The payments should be made by crossed cheque or demand draft to the Welfare Commissioner.
- The fund accounts should be maintained and audited annually by the Accountant General, Punjab.
- The fund money is deposited in approved banks, and some portion in government securities.
- Non-payment or delayed payment will result in penalties and interest.
Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Applicability
The Labour Welfare Fund Punjab Act applies to establishments in Punjab that employ a minimum number of workers. It requires regular contributions from both employees and employers. The Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act provides that the following organizations must contribute to the fund:
- A factory that has been established under the Factories Act, 1948, employing one or more workers.
- A motor omnibus service employing one or more persons.
- A charitable or other trust employing 20 or more persons.
- A society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
The Act applies to all eligible employees, including skilled, unskilled, manual, and clerical workers. All employers and HR professionals working in the above organizations are covered under the Act and must contribute to the Fund.
Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Contribution
The act’s applicability depends on a company’s number of employees. Establishments with 20 or more employees, including factories, specific societies, and trusts, must contribute to the fund.
The contribution details for the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund are mentioned below.
| Contributor | Contribution (Monthly) | Date of Deduction | Return Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee Contribution | ₹5 | By the Last Date of every Month | 15th April and 15th October |
| Employer Contribution | ₹20 | By the Last Date of every Month | 15th April and 15th October |
| Total Contribution | ₹25 | – | – |
Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Schemes and Benefits
The Labour Welfare Fund Punjab offers multiple schemes and benefits that are implemented to improve the welfare and living standards of workers in the state.
These labour welfare schemes in Punjab are funded through contributions from employers and employees, as mandated by the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1965. Some benefits are:
Loan Scheme
The Board provides interest-free loans to workers for:
| Sr. no. | Name of the Scheme | Amount of Loan | Recovery of Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer | ₹30,000/- | 30 Monthly Installments |
| 2 | Television | ₹5,000/- | 20 Monthly Installments |
| 3 | Bicycle | ₹2,500/- | 12 Monthly Installments |
| 4 | Sewing Machine | ₹1,200/- | 12 Monthly Installments |
| 5 | Fan | ₹1,000/- | 12 Monthly Installments |
| 6 | Wheat Advance Loan | ₹2,500/- | 12 monthly Installments |
| 7 | Motorcycle/Electronic Scooty | ₹50,000/- | 30 Monthly Installments |
| 8 | Fridge Loan | ₹12,000/- | 12 Monthly Installments |
Marriage Loan
This benefit is given to industrial workers on the occasion of the marriage of their daughters, amounting to ₹30,000/-, payable in 30 installments.
Stipends for Studies
The amount is granted as a study stipend to the children of industrial workers. These are:
| Sr. No. | Class | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Class 6th to 8th | ₹7,000/- | ₹5,000/- |
| 2 | Class 9th to 10th | ₹13,000/- | ₹10,000/- |
| 3 | Class 10+1 to 10+2 | ₹25,000/- | ₹20,000/- |
| 4 | Student of College B.A/B.S.E/M.A/S.S.C./B.C.A/M.C.A /I.T.I/Pole technical Degree & other Higher Qualifications | ₹30,000/- If the student lives in the hostel, then the amount would be ₹45,000/- | ₹25,000 If the student lives in a hostel, then the amount would be ₹40,000/- |
| 5 | Medical/ Engineering Degree Courses (For regular Courses of B.E./M.B.B.S) | 50000/- If the student lives in the hostel, then the amount would be ₹70,000/- | 40000/- If the student lives in the hostel, then the amount would be. ₹60,000/- |
Death and Disability Compensation
The fund provides an ex gratia grant to the widows & their dependents in case of the death of an industrial worker & grant to the worker on partial or full disability in an accident. These are:
| Sr. No. | Reason | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ex gratia grant to the widow of the Industrial worker for any reason of death. | ₹1,50,000/- ( Lump-sum) |
| 2 | In case of accidental death or 100% disablement. | ₹2,00,000/-( Lump-sum) |
| 3 | In an accidental case, a grant is given to the worker on a partial disability basis. | Amount would be given according to the percentage of the disability, with a maximum amount of ₹2,00,000/- |
Medical Benefits
Assistance is provided to industrial workers and their dependents for general surgery & treatment of serious diseases.
| Sr. No. | Diseases | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amount given to the worker or his dependents for the operation/treatment of cancer, heart surgery, and kidney transplant. | ₹1,00,000/- or the actual amount paid, whichever is less. |
| 2 | Amount given for the General Surgery Scheme. | ₹20,000/-or Actual amount paid, whichever is less. |
Funeral Expenses
The fund assists industrial workers and their dependents with funeral and cremation expenses.
| Sr. No. | Reason | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amount given to the worker or his dependents for the last funeral or cremation | 20,000/- |
How to Claim Benefits from the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund?
To access the benefits provided by the Fund, eligible workers must follow a formal application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- The first step is to verify labour welfare fund Punjab eligibility based on work history and Punjab LWF contributions to the fund.
- Register as a worker with the Punjab Labour Department or the Punjab Labour Welfare Board.
- Submit a formal application to the authorities for the desired welfare benefit.
- It is mandatory to attach supporting documents, for example, proof of employment and identification (e.g., Aadhaar).
- The authorities will verify the attached documents and assess the amount of benefit payable.
- When the benefit is approved, it is disbursed to the worker.
- In the event of rejection, the worker has the right to appeal to the District Judge within 60 days.
- Workers can apply and track their application status online through the Punjab Labour portal.
What is the Registration Process for the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund?
- Visit the official portal of the Labour Department, Punjab: https://pblabour.gov.in/
- On the portal, create an account under the “e-Labour / LWF” section.
- Choose “Deposit Labour Welfare Fund Contribution” and fill in the details for the establishment and employees as required.
- Upload Required Documents:
- Proof of establishment (registration, PAN, etc.)
- Address proof
- Employee list/wage details
- Identity proof of the employer
- Submit the Application: Review and submit the completed application to the Labour Department.
- Download Acknowledgment Receipt: After submission, download and save the acknowledgment for reference.
- Department Verification: The Labour Department verifies the application details and uploaded documents.
- Save or Lock the Form: After filling in the details, you get options: “Save Draft” or “Lock & Make Payment”. Choose “Lock & Make Payment”.
- Make the Payment Online: Proceed to “Deposit Labour Welfare Fund Contribution” on the portal and make payment online.
- Application Approval: Upon successful verification and payment confirmation, the department approves the registration.
- Download Registration Certificate: Once approved, download the digitally signed Registration Certificate from the portal.
- Records must be maintained: Wages register, unclaimed wages/fines register, etc.
Explore State-Wise Labour Welfare Fund Details:
FAQs
What is the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund?
The Punjab Labour Welfare Fund is a statutory fund established under the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1965. This is to improve workers’ living standards through various social welfare measures, for example, education centers and community facilities.
Who is Eligible to Contribute to the PLWF?
In Punjab, both employees and employers in covered establishments are required to contribute to the Labour Welfare Fund. This also includes:
- Factories.
- Motor omnibus services.
- Societies registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Charitable or other trusts.
How Can I Find Information about the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund?
Anyone can find information about the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund on its official website/portal. The portal provides details on Punjab LWF contribution payments and the services it offers, such as educational and medical assistance for workers.
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