Under the Urban Health Kiosk scheme in Punjab, this affordable health service is available to the construction labours and their families living in Punjab urban slums. The initiative launched by Punjab Health Society offer basic check-ups, first-aid, health education and surveillance of diseases mainly for diseases such as Silicosis. These services are free of charge or heavily subsidized to registered workers falling within the scheme’s stipulated criteria in terms of age(18-60),Monthly income not crossed by taxman being ₹15000 and at least 90 days of construction work in last one year. Workers may register online with the Common Service Centres (CSCs) or physically at Sewa Kendras.
Diseases Covered Under the Scheme:
- Occupational dermatitis.
- Occupational cancer.
- Asbestosis.
- Silicosis.
- Lead poisoning (including poisoning by any preparation or compound of lead).
- Benzene poisoning and its derivatives.
- Occupational asthma.
- Pesticide poisoning.
- Toxic jaundice.
- Toxic anemia.
- Compressed air illness (Caissons diseases).
- Noise-induced hearing loss.
- Toxic nephritis.
- Cancer operation/treatment.
- Heart surgery.
- Kidney transplant.
Benefits of the Scheme:
- Financial Coverage: The scheme provides reimbursement of treatment costs up to ₹1,00,000 or the actual expenditure, whichever is less.
- Health Insurance Integration: To access this benefit, workers must exhaust the ₹50,000 available under the Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Beema Yojna before applying for reimbursement.
Eligibility:
For Registration as a Building/Construction Worker:
- The applicant must be a resident of Punjab.
- The applicant must be a Building/Construction Worker (unorganised sector).
- The applicant should be between 18 and 60 years of age.
- The applicant must have worked in the building and construction sector for at least 90 days in the past year.
- The applicant must have a monthly income of ₹15,000 or below.
- The applicant should not be a member of any other welfare fund established under any law.
- The applicant should not be a member of EPF, NPS, or ESIC.
- The applicant should not be an income taxpayer.
For Application of the Welfare Scheme:
- The applicant must be a registered member under the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board or a family member of a worker.
- The treatment expenditure must be verified by a Civil Surgeon.
- The worker must have exhausted ₹50,000 under the Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Beema Yojna before applying.
Application Process:
Online Process (Via CSCs):
- Workers can register online through Common Service Centers (CSCs) in their area.
Offline Process:
- To register as a construction worker, approach the nearest Sewa Kendra or Registering Officers/Labour Inspector.
- For the welfare scheme, workers can apply through the Sewa Kendra or Labour Inspector for the concerned welfare benefits.
Registration with the Board:
- Fill out Application Form No. 28, pay a ₹25 registration fee (one-time) and a ₹10 monthly contribution fee.
- Workers can register for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years.
Documents Required:
For Registration as a Building/Construction Worker:
- Age Proof (or self-declaration if no proof is available).
- Residence Proof.
- Aadhaar Card (if available).
- Bank Account Details (including bank branch, account number, and IFSC code).
- Details of Dependents.
- Employer’s Certificate (Form No. 28, confirming 90 days of construction work in the last 12 months).
- Nomination Form (Form No. 27).
For the Application of the Welfare Scheme:
- Medical Certificate of the beneficiary or family member.
- Proof of Expenditure on Treatment (verified by the Civil Surgeon).
- Any other relevant documents (if required).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Who can apply for the welfare scheme?
Registered workers and their family members can apply for this welfare scheme. - For how long can a construction worker get registered?
A construction worker can register for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years. - What is the procedure for applying for the registration?
Workers can apply online through CSCs or offline at Sewa Kendras or through the Labour Inspector. - What documents are required for registration?
Age proof, residence proof, Aadhaar card, bank details, employer’s certificate, and nomination form. - Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Registered workers or their family members who suffer from specific occupational diseases can apply. - What are the conditions to avail of the benefits under this scheme?
The worker must exhaust ₹50,000 from the Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Beema Yojna before applying. - What is the maximum financial coverage provided under this scheme?
The maximum reimbursement is ₹1,00,000 or the actual treatment cost, whichever is lower. - What form needs to be used to apply for this welfare scheme?
Workers should use the designated application forms for the scheme and submit the necessary documents for verification. - Whom to apply for getting benefits of welfare schemes?
Apply through the Sewa Kendra or Registering Officers/Labour Inspectors in your area.
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