Launched by the Rubber Board, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the “Pension Scheme for the Tappers in Small Rubber Plantations” aims to motivate and retain tappers in the industry. The scheme is implemented in convergence with the Kerala Small Plantations Workers Welfare Fund Scheme and is governed by the Kerala Small Plantation Worker Fund Act, 2008 (and its subsequent modifications). Under the scheme, tappers receive financial support in the form of a monthly pension after the age of 60, alongside additional benefits such as family pension, financial assistance for permanent disability, maternity benefits, and medical assistance.
Benefits
- Monthly Pension:
- Enrolled tappers who continuously remit their annual contribution until the age of 60 are eligible for a pension of ₹1,300 per month.
- Additional Benefits:
- Family pension, financial assistance for permanent disability, maternity benefits, and medical assistance as determined by the Government from time to time.
- Support Contribution:
- The Rubber Board contributes 50% of the annual contribution for the initial 5 years.
Eligibility
- Age and Experience:
- Tappers must be aged between 18 to 55 years with at least 90 days of tapping experience in the preceding 12 months.
- Employment Conditions:
- Must be engaged in tapping jobs throughout the year in small rubber plantations on a wage basis, or be self-employed in tapping in their own small rubber plantation up to 1 hectare.
- Skill Certification:
- Tappers should be certified under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) of PMKVY or have completed training conducted by the Rubber Board (e.g., TSS, TISP).
- Additional Eligibility:
- Tappers enrolled in the Tapper Bank under Rubber Producers Societies (RPS) are eligible.
- Exclusions:
- Tappers who are members of any pension scheme implemented by the Central/State Government or those tapping in plantations larger than 5 hectares are not eligible.
Mode of Contribution
- Annual Contribution:
- Each tapper is required to contribute ₹480 annually.
- Rubber Board’s Contribution:
- For the first 5 years, the Rubber Board contributes 50% of the annual contribution.
- Contribution Details:
- For the initial 5 years, each tapper pays ₹240 annually, with the Rubber Board contributing an equal amount. After 5 years, the tapper must remit the full annual contribution until reaching the age of 60.
Application Process
Offline Process
- Submission of Application:
- The tapper must submit a duly filled application form countersigned by the employer, RPS President, or Field Officer, along with all relevant documents.
- Distribution:
- Application forms are provided to the Regional Offices of the Labour Welfare Division.
- Forwarding:
- Hard copies of original application forms along with documents must be forwarded to the Labour Welfare Division in Kottayam with a forwarding letter detailing the applicant’s Name, Address, Age, Category, and UTR Number.
Notes:
- The scheme is operated through the Regional Offices of the Rubber Board.
- The Dy. RPC/DO in charge of all regional offices is encouraged to publicize the scheme widely among trained tappers.
- Priority may be given to members of the tapper bank under Rubber Producers Societies (RPS).
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card.
- Training Certificate issued by the Rubber Board.
- Proof of age.
- Two passport-size photographs.
- Any other document as required.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the “Pension Scheme for Tappers in Small Rubber Plantations”?
It is a scheme aimed at motivating tappers and ensuring a regular pension after the age of 60, along with other benefits, for those working in small rubber plantations. -
What is the main goal of this scheme?
The main goal is to retain tappers in the tapping job by providing financial security and additional welfare benefits. -
What is the duration of financial support under this scheme?
Financial support is extended until the tapper reaches the age of 60 years. -
What is the pension amount upon reaching the age of 60?
Eligible tappers receive a pension of ₹1,300 per month. -
Apart from the monthly pension, are there additional benefits?
Yes, members are also eligible for family pension, financial assistance for permanent disability, maternity benefits, medical assistance, and other benefits as determined by the Government. -
What is the age range for tappers to be eligible for enrollment?
Tappers between 18 and 55 years of age are eligible. -
What is the work experience requirement for eligibility?
Tappers must have at least 90 days of tapping experience in the preceding 12 months. -
What are the employment conditions for eligibility?
Applicants should be engaged in tapping jobs year-round in small rubber plantations or be self-employed in tapping in their own small plantation up to 1 hectare. -
Are there any exclusions from eligibility?
Yes, tappers who are members of any Central/State Government pension scheme or those working in plantations larger than 5 hectares are not eligible. -
Are tappers enrolled in the Tapper Bank under RPS eligible?
Yes, they are eligible for enrollment. -
What is the annual contribution required from each tapper?
Each tapper is required to contribute ₹480 annually. -
Does the Rubber Board contribute to the scheme?
Yes, the Rubber Board contributes 50% of the annual contribution for the initial 5 years. -
What is the specific contribution amount for the initial 5 years?
For the initial 5 years, each tapper pays ₹240 per year, with the Rubber Board matching the contribution. -
How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
Applicants must fill out and submit the application form along with the required documents at the Regional Offices of the Labour Welfare Division, which then forward the applications to the Labour Welfare Division in Kottayam.