The Samajik Mukti Card is a transformative initiative by the West Bengal government designed to bring financial security and streamlined access to social welfare benefits for workers in the unorganised sector. Initially issued to 25 lakh beneficiaries under the State Assisted Scheme of Provident Fund for Unorganised Workers (SASPFUW), the card now serves as a key for multiple social benefit schemes, including those for construction and motor transport workers. This smart card, equipped with a 32 KB memory, ensures that unorganised workers can access their records and benefits seamlessly through an integrated online and offline system.
Benefits
- Provident Fund Security: Offers a provident fund for financial stability.
- Compensation for Work-related Incidents: Provides compensation in case of death or disability during work.
- Educational Assistance: Offers financial aid to children of registered workers pursuing higher studies (for applicants registered for at least one year).
- Skill Development and Safety Training: Facilitates training to improve skills and safety.
- Health Treatment Facilities: Ensures registered workers have access to health treatment services.
Eligibility
- Residency: Must be a resident of West Bengal.
- Age: Unorganised sector workers between the ages of 18 and 60.
- Income: The family income should not exceed ₹65,000 per month. (Note: There is no income ceiling for construction workers and transport workers.)
- Sector: The card is targeted at workers in the unorganised sector looking to avail benefits under SASPFUW, BOCWA, and WBTWSS.
Application Process
Offline Process
- Issuance:
The Samajik Mukti Card is issued automatically to all unorganised workers who meet the eligibility criteria. It acts as the gateway to applying for various social welfare benefits. - Accessing Benefits:
Once issued, the card can be used at any of the 68 Regional Labour Offices or 480 Labour Welfare Facilitation Centres equipped with card readers/writers connected to the Central SASPFUW Server. - Further Details:
For more information or assistance regarding benefits, unorganised workers are advised to visit their nearest labour department office.
Documents Required
While no official announcement has been made regarding the mandatory documents for the Samajik Mukti Card, it is recommended that applicants keep the following documents handy:
- Identity Proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID)
- Income Proof
- Employment Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Samajik Mukti Card?
A1: It is a photo identity smart card issued to unorganised workers in West Bengal to access various social welfare schemes.
Q2: Who can get this card?
A2: Unorganised sector workers residing in West Bengal between the ages of 18 and 60, with a family income not exceeding ₹65,000 per month (except for construction and transport workers) are eligible.
Q3: Is there an income cap for applicants?
A3: Yes, the family income should not exceed ₹65,000 per month, though this criterion does not apply to construction and transport workers.
Q4: Which schemes can the Samajik Mukti Card holder benefit from?
A4: The card can be used to avail benefits under the SASPFUW, Buildings and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Scheme, and West Bengal Motor Transport Workers’ Welfare Scheme.
Q5: How can beneficiaries apply for the benefits under these schemes?
A5: The card is the key to applying for all related social welfare schemes. Benefits can be accessed by presenting the card at designated Regional Labour Offices and Labour Welfare Facilitation Centres.
Q6: Where can the Samajik Mukti Card be used?
A6: The card can be used at all 68 Regional Labour Offices and 480 Labour Welfare Facilitation Centres across districts and subdivisions in West Bengal.
Q7: What is the objective of the Samajik Mukti Card project?
A7: The project aims to enroll as many unorganised workers as possible under state welfare schemes, ensure smooth and speedy benefit delivery, and maintain effective and transparent fund management.