Pension Scheme for the Tappers in Small Rubber Plantations

Description
The scheme “Pension Scheme for the Tappers in Small Rubber Plantations” was launched by the Rubber Board, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India to motivate tappers and retain them in the tapping job. The Rubber Board proposes to extend support to tappers through convergence with the pension scheme being implemented through the Kerala Small Plantations Workers Welfare Fund Scheme. The Board offers financial support to the tune of 50% of the yearly contribution for a maximum period of 5 years to tappers who enroll for the pension scheme. The scheme ensures a regular pension after the age of 60 years. This scheme is implemented as per Kerala Small Plantation Worker Fund Act 2008 and the modification if any, made in the act is applicable to the members who enroll under the scheme.

Benefits
• The enrolled member who remits their annual contribution continuously up to the age of 60 years will get a pension of ₹1300/- per month.
• The members are also eligible for other benefits like family pension, financial assistance for permanent disability, Maternity Benefits, Medical Assistance, etc., and also other benefits as decided by the Government from time to time.
• The scheme ensures a regular pension after the age of 60 years.

Eligibility Criteria
1. A tapper aged between 18 to 55 years and having an experience of 90 days in the preceding 12 months.
2. Engaged in tapping jobs throughout the year in small rubber plantations for wages or engaged in self-tapping in own small rubber plantation up to 1 ha.
3. The tappers should be certified under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) of PMKVY of the Government of India or any training conducted by the Rubber Board for skill up-gradation (TSS, TISP).
4. Tappers enrolled in the tapper bank under Rubber Producers Societies (RPS) are also eligible for enrolment.
5. **Note:** A tapper who is a member of any pension scheme implemented by the Central/State Government or tapping in rubber plantation measuring an area above 5 ha. are not eligible under this scheme.
6. > **Mode of Contribution:**
7. The annual contribution of each tapper under the scheme is ₹480/-. Rubber Board will contribute, 50 % of the annual contribution for an initial period of 5 years for all the members who regularly remit their contribution every year on time. Accordingly, each tapper has to contribute ₹240/- annually to the scheme for 5 years. After 5 years the tapper has to remit the full contribution till attaining the age of 60 years.

Required Documents
• Aadhaar card
• Training Certificate Issued by the Board
• Proof of age
• Two Passport-size photo
• Any other document, as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the "Pension Scheme for Tappers in Small Rubber Plantations"?
A: The "Pension Scheme for Tappers in Small Rubber Plantations" is a scheme launched by the Rubber Board, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. The primary objective is to motivate tappers and encourage their continued involvement in tapping jobs.

Q: What is the main goal of this scheme?
A: The scheme aims to provide financial support to tappers by offering 50% of the yearly contribution for a maximum period of 5 years, with the purpose of facilitating their enrollment in the pension scheme.

Q: What is the duration of financial support under this scheme?
A: The financial support is provided for a maximum period of 5 years to tappers who enroll for the pension scheme.

Q: What is the pension amount that an enrolled member can expect upon reaching the age of 60 years?
A: Enrolled members who consistently remit their annual contributions up to the age of 60 years will receive a monthly pension of [?]1300/-.

Q: Apart from the monthly pension, are there any additional benefits available to the members?
A: Yes, members are entitled to various additional benefits, including family pension, financial assistance for permanent disability, maternity benefits, medical assistance, and other benefits as determined by the Government from time to time.

Q: What is the age range for tappers to be eligible for enrollment in the scheme?
A: Tappers aged between 18 to 55 years are eligible to enroll in the Pension Scheme for Tappers.

Q: What is the work experience requirement for eligibility?
A: Tappers should have a minimum experience of 90 days in the preceding 12 months to be eligible for enrollment.

Q: What are the employment conditions for eligibility?
A: Eligible tappers should be engaged in tapping jobs throughout the year in small rubber plantations, either for wages or through self-tapping in their own small rubber plantation up to 1 hectare.

Q: Are there any specific exclusions from eligibility?
A: Yes, tappers who are already members of any pension scheme implemented by the Central/State Government or those tapping in rubber plantations measuring an area above 5 hectares are not eligible under this scheme.

Q: Are tappers enrolled in the Tapper Bank under Rubber Producers Societies (RPS) eligible for enrollment?
A: Yes, tappers enrolled in the Tapper Bank under Rubber Producers Societies (RPS) are eligible for enrollment in the Pension Scheme for Tappers.

Q: What is the annual contribution required from each tapper under the scheme?
A: Each tapper is required to contribute [?]480 annually to the Pension Scheme for Tappers.

Q: Is there any contribution from the Rubber Board towards the scheme?
A: Yes, the Rubber Board will contribute 50% of the annual contribution for the initial period of 5 years for all members who consistently remit their contributions on time.

Q: What is the specific contribution amount that each tapper has to pay annually for the initial 5 years?
A: Each tapper needs to contribute [?]240 annually to the scheme for the initial 5 years, as the Rubber Board contributes the remaining 50%.

Q: How long does the Rubber Board contribute 50% of the annual contribution?
A: The Rubber Board contributes 50% of the annual contribution for an initial period of 5 years, providing support to tappers during this period.

Q: How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
A: Tappers need to submit a duly filled application form, countersigned by the employer/RPS President/Field Officer, along with supporting documents.