The West Bengal Transport Workers’ Social Security Scheme: Family Pension is an initiative by the Labour Department designed to support the families of unorganized transport workers in the state. Under this scheme, in the event of retirement or unfortunate demise of a beneficiary, 50% of the beneficiary’s last drawn amount is transferred monthly to their family through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring continued financial security.
Benefits
- Monthly Family Pension: The family receives a monthly payment equal to 50% of the last drawn amount by the beneficiary.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Funds are directly transferred to the beneficiary’s nominee or dependent, ensuring transparency and prompt disbursement.
- Social Security: Provides continuous financial support to the families of unorganized transport workers during times of retirement or following the demise of the worker.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: The applicant must be between 18 and 60 years of age at the time of enrolment.
- Employment Status: The applicant must be an unorganized worker employed in the operation of commercial vehicles. These include cars, taxis, luxury taxis, light commercial vehicles, vans, auto-rickshaws, tempos, lorries, trucks, or buses.
- Usage of Vehicle: The vehicle used by the applicant must be for commercial purposes and not solely for personal or family use.
- Nominee/Dependent Benefit: In the event of the beneficiary’s death, a nominee or dependent is entitled to receive the pension benefits.
Application Process
Online Application
- Visit the Portal:
- Go to the “eDistrict 2.0” portal.
- Registration:
- Click on Log In/Sign Up. Scroll down to the bottom of the User Login window and click “Register”.
- Complete Registration Form:
- Fill in all the details carefully, enter a username, and click “Register”.
- OTP Verification:
- Enter the One Time Password (OTP) received on your mobile phone to complete the registration process.
- Log In:
- In the User Login window, enter your Username or email and the captcha, then click “Sign In”.
- OTP Submission:
- Enter the OTP received and click “Submit”.
- Dashboard Access:
- Once logged in, you will be redirected to the Dashboard. From the right side menu, apply for the concerned scheme.
Documents Required
For New Registration
- Certification by Prescribed Authority: In the prescribed format.
- Passport Size Photo: Recent photograph (for you and each dependent member).
- Age Proof Document: Such as a Birth Certificate or Aadhaar Card.
- Driving License: Required for drivers.
- EPIC/Aadhaar Card: As identity proof.
For the Application of the Welfare Scheme
- Details of the Nominee/Dependent: Name and relationship.
- Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, etc.
- Age Proof Document: Birth Certificate, Aadhaar, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the purpose of the scheme?
A1: The scheme provides financial support to the families of unorganized transport workers by offering a monthly pension equivalent to 50% of the last drawn amount.
Q2: Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
A2: The scheme is open to unorganized transport workers employed in operating commercial vehicles and, upon their retirement or death, their nominees or dependents are eligible to receive the pension.
Q3: What is the pension amount provided under the scheme?
A3: The family pension is 50% of the beneficiary’s last drawn salary.
Q4: What happens to the pension after the death of the beneficiary?
A4: In the event of the beneficiary’s death, the pension is transferred monthly to the nominee or dependent of the deceased.
Q5: Can individuals below 60 years of age receive a pension?
A5: Yes, the scheme covers workers between 18 and 60 years of age at the time of enrolment.
Q6: What types of vehicles are covered under this scheme?
A6: The scheme covers commercial vehicles such as cars, taxis, luxury taxis, light commercial vehicles, vans, auto-rickshaws, tempos, lorries, trucks, and buses.
Q7: Are vehicles used solely for personal or family purposes eligible?
A7: No, the vehicle must be used for commercial purposes.
Q8: How are pension benefits disbursed?
A8: Benefits are disbursed through a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to the nominee or dependent.
Q9: Can female transport workers apply for this scheme?
A9: Yes, the scheme is inclusive and female transport workers are eligible to apply.
Q10: Where can workers seek additional information or assistance regarding the scheme?
A10: Additional information and assistance can be obtained from the eDistrict 2.0 portal or by contacting the Labour Department of West Bengal.