The Accident Medical Assistance Scheme is a welfare initiative by the Puducherry Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, under the Labour Department of the Union Territory of Puducherry. This scheme provides financial assistance of ₹1,500 per month to registered construction workers who have met with an accident and sustained fractures. The assistance continues until the worker is declared physically fit to resume normal work, with claims supported by medical certificates issued by a prescribed doctor.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
- ₹1,500 per month, credited within 15 days via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- The assistance is provided until the worker regains physical fitness to resume work.
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship:
- Applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Registration:
- Applicant must be registered as a Construction Worker with the Puducherry Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
- Age Requirement:
- Applicant must be 18 years or older.
- Applicant should not have completed 60 years of age in the preceding 12 months in construction work.
- Contribution:
- The beneficiary must be contributing to the Board’s Fund and should not have defaulted in contribution for over one year.
- Accident & Injury:
- The applicant must have met with an accident and sustained fracture(s) and should not be physically fit to resume normal work.
Application Process
Registration Process (Offline)
- Obtain Registration Form:
- Visit the Office of the Puducherry Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board at Industrial Estate, Thattanchavady, Puducherry (605 009) to collect the prescribed registration form.
- Complete the Registration Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed if required), and attach copies of all required documents (self-attested if needed).
- Include a declaration stating you are a construction worker, along with details of your worksite.
- Submit and Obtain Receipt:
- Submit the completed and signed registration form along with the documents to the concerned authority.
- Request an acknowledgment or receipt that includes the date, time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
- Verification & Enrollment:
- Inspectors verify the genuineness of the application.
- Upon approval by the Secretary (Board), the worker is enrolled as a beneficiary.
Note:
- Registration fee: ₹25 at enrollment.
- Annual subscription: ₹100 per year.
- Renewal fee: ₹300 once every three years.
Application for Financial Assistance (Offline)
- Obtain Application Form:
- Visit the Board’s office or download the prescribed format from the “Application for Welfare Benefits” section (Page No. 77 of the Citizen’s Charter).
- Complete the Application Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields, affix a passport-sized photograph (signed if required), and attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the filled and signed application form with the required documents to the concerned authority.
- Obtain Receipt:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment containing essential submission details.
- Note: The application should be submitted within one year from the date of discharge.
Documents Required
For Registration
- Duly filled and signed registration application form.
- Proof of Age:
- Birth Certificate, Transfer Certificate, or Doctor Certificate.
- Experience Certificate:
- From a registered Engineer/Contractor/Association/Trade Union, verifying construction work experience.
- Worksite Details:
- Information related to the construction work or worksite.
- Proof of Blood Group:
- Medical Health Card or Laboratory Certificate.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Ration Card.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Bank Details.
- Family Particulars & Nomination Details:
- Including beneficiary information.
- Certificate from Revenue, Social Welfare, or Anganwadi Officials:
- As per the respective area’s requirement.
For Application for Financial Assistance
- Last Subscription Bill.
- Board ID Card.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Bank Passbook.
- Medical Certificate:
- Issued by the competent authority (RMO).
- Accident Report.
- Discharge Slip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How quickly can a registered worker expect financial assistance after an accident?
A: Financial assistance of ₹1,500 per month is credited within 15 days via DBT, subject to verification of medical certificates.
Q: What is the role of inspectors in the registration process?
A: Inspectors verify the genuineness of the worker’s registration details and supporting documents before enrollment.
Q: How much financial assistance does the scheme provide, and for how long?
A: The scheme provides ₹1,500 per month until the worker is declared physically fit to resume work.
Q: Is citizenship a mandatory requirement for eligibility under the scheme?
A: Yes, the applicant must be a citizen of India.
Q: How is the age of the construction worker determined during eligibility assessment?
A: Age is verified through submitted documents such as birth certificates, transfer certificates, or doctor certificates.
Q: Is there a specific time limit for contributing to the Board for eligibility?
A: Yes, the worker should not have defaulted in the payment of contributions for a continuous period of more than one year.
Q: Is there any specific requirement regarding the physical condition of the worker for eligibility?
A: Yes, the worker must have sustained fracture(s) due to an accident and be physically unfit to resume normal work.
Q: Can a construction worker apply for the scheme if they have defaulted in contribution payments to the Board?
A: No, consistent default in contributions (more than one year) disqualifies the applicant.
Q: Can the financial assistance be used for any purpose, or are there restrictions?
A: The assistance is intended to support medical and related expenses until the worker is fit to resume work.
Q: Is the financial assistance taxable, and does it affect other government benefits?
A: For specific tax-related queries or impact on other benefits, consult the latest government guidelines or your tax advisor.
Q: How are disputes or grievances related to the scheme’s benefits addressed?
A: Grievances can be addressed through the Grievance Redressal mechanism detailed in the scheme guidelines (Page No. 131).
Q: Are there any specific declarations to be made in the application form?
A: Yes, the application form requires a declaration confirming the worker’s status as a construction worker and details of the worksite.