West Bengal Transport Workers’ Social Security Scheme: Assistance on Death and Permanent Disablement

Description
The “West Bengal Transport Workers’ Social Security Scheme: Assistance on Death and Permanent Disablement” by the Labour Department, offers financial assistance to unorganised transport workers or their nominees/dependents during times of distress caused by death or disability. The relief includes monetary compensation for accidental or natural death, as well as graded benefits for permanent disabilities.

Exclusions
• Caused by intentional self-injury, suicide or attempted suicide, insanity or immorality or if the member was under the influence of intoxicating liquor, drug, or narcotic.
• Caused by injuries resulting from riots, civil commotions, or racing of any kind.

Benefits
• > **Relief on Death:**
• **For accidental death:** ₹1,50,000/-. 1. **For natural death:** ₹50,000/-.
• > **Relief on Permanent Disability:**
• **For loss of one hand, one leg below the knee, one eye, or hearing capacity in one ear:** ₹25,000/-. 1. **For loss of a thumb:** ₹9,000/-. 1. **For loss of any other finger:** ₹4,000/- 1. **Maximum relief for total disablement:** ₹50,000/-.
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Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant must be between 18 and 60 years of age at the time of enrolment.
2. The applicant must be an unorganized worker employed in the operation of commercial vehicles, such as cars, taxis, luxury taxis, light commercial vehicles, vans, auto-rickshaws, tempos, lorries, trucks, or buses.
3. The applicant’s vehicle must be used for commercial purposes and not solely for personal or family use.
4. &gt; **Note:** A nominee/ dependent of a beneficiary shall be entitled for the benefits in case of death.
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Required Documents
• &gt; **For New Registration:**
• Certification by Prescribed Authority in the Prescribed format,
• Passport Size Photo (self and for each dependent member).
• Age Proof Document.
• Driving Licence in case of Drivers.
• EPIC/ AADHAR Card.
• &gt; **For the Application of the Welfare Scheme:**
• Details of the Nominee/ Dependent.
• Death Certificate (for death claims).
• Medical Certificate/ Report (for disability claims).

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the scheme?
A: The scheme provides financial relief to the beneficiaries in case of permanent disability due to accidents or their dependents/nominees in case of accidental or natural death.

Q: Who can apply for this scheme?
A: Unorganised transport workers aged 18-60 years working with commercial vehicles are eligible.

Q: What are the benefits provided under the scheme?
A: Financial assistance for death ([?]50,000-[?]1,50,000) and permanent disability ([?]4,000-[?]50,000) are provided under the scheme.

Q: How is the assistance disbursed?
A: Benefits are transferred directly to the beneficiary's or nominee's bank account through DBT.

Q: What documents are required to apply?
A: Age proof, employment proof, bank details, and relevant medical or death certificates.

Q: Are privately owned vehicles included in the scheme?
A: No, vehicles used solely for personal or family purposes are excluded.

Q: Is there any age limit for the scheme?
A: Yes, the beneficiary must be between 18 and 60 years of age.

Q: Are benefits provided for self-inflicted injuries or suicides?
A: No, such cases are excluded.

Q: What if multiple disabilities occur in one accident?
A: Relief is calculated based on total disablement, subject to a maximum of [?]50,000/-.

Q: Is this scheme applicable in cases of natural disasters?
A: Yes, provided the death or disability is not due to excluded circumstances.

Q: Can family members apply on behalf of the worker?
A: Yes, nominees or dependents can apply in case of death or incapacitation.

Q: Are accidental injuries under intoxication covered?
A: No, injuries occurring under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics are not covered.

Q: What happens if the nominee is not registered?
A: The beneficiary should ensure nominee details are updated during registration.