The West Bengal Transport Workers’ Social Security Scheme: Pension is a welfare initiative by the Labour Department aimed at providing financial stability and dignity for unorganized transport workers during retirement. The scheme offers a monthly pension starting at ₹1,500 for beneficiaries aged 60 and above, with an incremental increase for those enrolled for more than 5 years.
Benefits
- Base Pension: ₹1,500 per month for beneficiaries aged 60 and above.
- Incremental Increase: An extra ₹10 per month for every year of continuous enrolment beyond 5 years.
- Social Security: Provides a stable source of income to ensure a dignified retirement for unorganized transport workers.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, the following conditions must be met:
- Age at Enrolment: The applicant must be between 18 and 60 years at the time of enrolment.
- Employment Status: The applicant must be an unorganized worker employed in the operation of commercial vehicles (e.g., cars, taxis, luxury taxis, light commercial vehicles, vans, auto-rickshaws, tempos, lorries, trucks, or buses).
- Vehicle Usage: The vehicle operated by the applicant must be used for commercial purposes and not solely for personal or family use.
- Enrollment Duration: The applicant must have been continuously enrolled in the scheme for at least 5 years to qualify for pension benefits.
Application Process
Online Application
- Visit the Portal:
- Go to the “eDistrict 2.0” portal.
- Register:
- Click on Log In/Sign Up. Scroll to the bottom of the User Login window and click on “Register”.
- Fill Registration Form:
- Complete the registration form carefully, enter a username, and click “Register”.
- OTP Verification:
- Enter the One Time Password (OTP) received on your mobile phone to complete the registration.
- Log In:
- In the User Login window, enter your Username or email and the captcha, then click “Sign In”.
- Submit OTP:
- Enter the OTP received and click “Submit”.
- Access Dashboard:
- Once logged in, you will be redirected to the Dashboard. From the right-side menu, select and apply for the concerned scheme.
Documents Required
For New Registration
- Certification by Prescribed Authority: In the prescribed format.
- Passport Size Photo: For you and each dependent member.
- Age Proof Document: Such as a Birth Certificate or Aadhaar Card.
- Driving Licence: Required for drivers.
- EPIC/Aadhaar Card: As identity proof.
For the Application of the Welfare Scheme
- Original Copies of Form I, II, and IIA.
- Life Certificate.
- Bank Details.
- Joint Passport Size Photo with Spouse: 3 copies, if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the purpose of the scheme?
A1: The scheme is designed to provide a monthly pension for unorganized transport workers upon retirement, ensuring financial security and a dignified retirement.
Q2: What is the monthly pension amount provided under the scheme?
A2: Beneficiaries receive a base pension of ₹1,500 per month, with an additional ₹10 per month for every year of enrollment beyond 5 years.
Q3: Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
A3: Unorganized transport workers operating commercial vehicles, who are enrolled between 18 and 60 years of age, and have been continuously enrolled for at least 5 years, are eligible.
Q4: Are individuals using private vehicles eligible for the scheme?
A4: No, only workers using vehicles for commercial purposes are eligible.
Q5: What is the minimum enrollment period required to qualify for the pension?
A5: Beneficiaries must be continuously enrolled in the scheme for at least 5 years.
Q6: When will the pension payments begin for eligible beneficiaries?
A6: Pension payments begin once the beneficiary reaches the age of 60 and meets the minimum enrollment requirement.
Q7: How are pension benefits disbursed under the scheme?
A7: Pension benefits are disbursed monthly through a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Q8: What documents are required for submitting a pension application?
A8: Required documents include original copies of Form I, II, and IIA, a life certificate, bank details, and joint passport size photographs with spouse (if applicable), among other prescribed documents.
Q9: What if a worker does not complete the required five years of enrollment?
A9: Workers who do not complete the 5-year enrollment period are not eligible for pension benefits under this scheme.
Q10: Where can workers seek additional information or assistance regarding the scheme?
A10: Workers can obtain further details and assistance via the eDistrict 2.0 portal or by contacting the Labour Department of West Bengal.