West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund: Applicability, Contribution, Rules, Benefits

The West Bengal Labour Welfare Board (‘Board’) is the autonomous and statutory body that works under the Labour Department of the Government of West Bengal. It was established under the Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1974 (‘Act’) to promote initiatives of labour welfare for all the workers and labour in West Bengal. 

West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund

The government established the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund under the Act. The Board collects contributions from the employees and the employers of the establishments covered under the Act and puts them in the Fund. The Fund money is used to promote welfare measures amongst the workers. The Fund provides medical, housing, educational, and recreational facilities for all the labourers, workers, employees and their families in West Bengal.

West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Rules

The government also enacted the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Rules, 1976. These rules provide the method of payment of dues, contribution to the Fund, mode of payment from the Fund to labourers, budget of the Board, maintenance of audit and accounts of the Fund, etc. The West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Act and Rules applies to the entire state of West Bengal. 

West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Applicability

The West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Act applies to the following establishments: 

• A factory established under the Factories Act, 1948 employing one or more persons
• A motor transport or tramway undertaking employing one or more employees
• Establishments registered under the West Bengal Shops And Establishments Act, 1963, employing ten or more employees

However, any employee employed in a managerial capacity or employed in a supervisory capacity with wages exceeding Rs.1,600 per month working in the above establishments is not covered under the Act and thus cannot contribute to the Fund or take the benefits provided by the Board.

West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Contribution 

The employers and employees working in the establishments covered under the Act must contribute to the Fund half-yearly. They must contribute on 30th June and 31st December every year, and the returns should be filed on 15th July and 15th January with the Board. 

The amount contribution amount towards the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund is as follows:

• Employer contribution: Rs.15
• Employee contribution: Rs.3
• Total contribution: Rs.18

West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund Benefits

The Board conducts the following essential activities and schemes for the welfare of the workers:

• Organising Cultural Programs, Sports and Games

Labour Welfare Centres organise a range of activities throughout the year to promote the well-being of the workers. These activities include cultural functions, quizzes, sit-and-draw competitions, annual sports events such as volleyball, football, carrom, and badminton tournaments at both centre and zonal levels, and other forms of entertainment for the workers and their family members.

The board also provides various recreational and sports equipment to the Labour Welfare Centres, such as daily newspapers, TV, magazines, carrom boards, footballs, volleyballs, physical fitness equipment, table tennis, etc., to ensure the workers and their dependents have access to a wide range of facilities.

• Organising Special Programmes

South Bengal and North Bengal zones organise zonal-level cultural programs, games, and sports for the workers and their families. These special programs provide a platform for the workers and their loved ones to showcase their talents and bond with each other in a fun and engaging way. Awards are given to the winners of different cultural and sports competitions organised by the Board.

• Providing Scholarships and Stipends

The Board offers scholarships and stipends annually to the children of contributing workers as financial assistance to pursue their education from the H.S. (Higher Secondary) level onwards. 

• Offering Computer Training and Skill-Based Training

At various Labour Welfare Centres, individuals can receive training in sewing and cutting techniques from skilled instructors. This training is designed to impart skill-based computer and vocational training to those who are interested. The trainees who secure first, second and third place in the examination at the end of the training course are provided sewing machines. 

A computer training programme known as the Lab-Web training programme is provided in the Labour Welfare Centers by expert agencies. The Board will reimburse 50% of the course fee to each child of the contributing worker. At the end of the course, a certificate of computer training is issued to candidates jointly by the Board and Webel.

• Distribution of Test Papers and Student Exercise Books

Every year, the Board provides free test papers to children of contributing workers appearing for Madhyamik and H.S. examinations. Additionally, they also distribute Student Exercise Books to children of class V to X every year. 

• Assistance for Critical Diseases

The Board offers a subsidy of Rs.15,000 to contributors and their family members in case of critical illnesses such as bypass surgery, cancer, or kidney transplantation. This financial assistance aims to support those facing the burden of expensive medical treatments and procedures.

• Auditoriums

Each model labour welfare centre has an auditorium, which is primarily intended for the workers or their trade union representatives. The board rents out these auditoriums at a nominal rate for social and cultural events. Government or non-government organisations can hire these auditoriums for social, official or cultural functions.

The most important purpose of the West Bengal Labour Welfare Fund is to provide great working conditions and enhance the standard of living of workers. Workers and employees contributing to the Fund can take full advantage of all the facilities and services provided by the Board.  

Also read about:
1. Telangana Labour Welfare Fund
2. Tamil Nadu Labour Welfare Fund
3. Delhi Labour Welfare Fund