The “Scheme for Grant of Financial Assistance to Industrial Workers/Employee for Purchase of Spectacles” is an initiative by the Goa Labour Welfare Board under the Department of Labour and Employment, Goa. This scheme is designed to support industrial workers and employees by providing financial aid for acquiring spectacles. The aim is to enhance the vision and overall well-being of eligible workers, thereby contributing to improved productivity and quality of life.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
Up to ₹2,000 is provided to cover the cost of the frame and lens of the spectacles. If the total cost exceeds this amount, the worker/employee must bear the additional expense. - Replacement Policy:
- Replacement of spectacles is allowed only after five years from the initial purchase.
- If there is a change in the lens power, a replacement is permitted after one year, with the expenses not exceeding ₹400.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an industrial worker/employee covered under clause (C) of Section 2 of the Goa, Daman and Diu Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1986.
- The applicant should have completed one year of service in the industrial establishment on the date of application (including broken spells of service).
- The applicant must have their eyes tested at a State Hospital, the Goa Medical College, or by a qualified optician.
- The applicant should obtain the lens number(s) for the spectacles.
Application Process
Offline
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Download or collect the prescribed application form from the Official Website of the Department of Labour and Employment, Goa.
- Fill Out the Form:
- Complete all mandatory fields in the form.
- Paste a passport-sized photograph (if required).
- Attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attested, if necessary).
- Submission:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the required documents through your employer to the Secretary, Goa Labour Welfare Board, 4th Floor, Shram Shakti Bhavan, Patto Centre, Panaji, Goa – 403001.
- Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority, ensuring it contains the submission date, time, and a unique identification number if applicable.
Documents Required
- Cash Receipt:
Proof of expenditure for the purchase of spectacles. - Prescription:
A prescription from a qualified optician or doctor. - Medical Certificate:
Certificate from the Medical Officer of the Organisation. - Certificate from Eye Specialist:
A certificate confirming the eye condition and the required lens specification. - Certificate of Service:
Certificate from the Management/Contractor confirming the completion of one year of service in the industrial establishment. - Additional Documents:
Any other documents as required by the Labour Welfare Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can industrial workers request reimbursement for specialized lenses, such as bifocals or progressive lenses?
- The scheme covers the cost of the frame and lens up to ₹2,000; any specialized lenses costing beyond this limit must be borne by the worker.
- Can industrial workers apply for financial assistance if they are on probation?
- Applicants must have completed one year of service, including any broken spells, to be eligible.
- Can industrial workers residing in Daman and Diu apply under the Goa Labour Welfare Board’s scheme?
- This scheme is specifically for industrial workers in Goa.
- Can industrial workers request reimbursement for spectacles purchased online?
- Reimbursement is based on the submission of valid documentation (e.g., cash receipt, prescription), regardless of the purchase mode.
- Can industrial workers appeal against the decision of the Labour Welfare Board regarding their application?
- Yes, there are provisions for appeals; please refer to the official guidelines for the appeal process.
- Are there any penalties for fraudulent claims or misuse of the scheme?
- Yes, fraudulent claims can lead to penalties and potential legal action.
- What types of spectacles are covered under the scheme?
- The scheme covers spectacles with costs up to ₹2,000, including both frame and lens.
- Can industrial workers choose any optician or hospital for their eye test?
- The eye test must be conducted at a State Hospital, Goa Medical College, or by a qualified optician.
- Can industrial workers apply for reimbursement for spectacles purchased for their family members?
- The scheme is intended solely for the applicant’s personal use.
- Is there a limit to the number of times an industrial worker can apply for financial assistance for spectacles?
- Yes, the assistance is available only once for the initial purchase, with replacements allowed under specific conditions.
- Can industrial workers request reimbursement for spectacles purchased from a vendor outside Goa?
- Reimbursements are typically processed based on purchases made within the scheme’s guidelines; workers should refer to official instructions for any exceptions.
- Can industrial workers apply for reimbursement for spectacles purchased independently?
- Yes, provided they submit all the required documentation to support their claim.