Families of deceased employment guarantee scheme workers to receive compensation of Rs 2 lakh; action following Kerala Kaumudi report

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If a worker under the employment guarantee scheme dies while on duty, the family will now receive financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh within five days. The Local Self-Government Department has issued a circular to implement this benefit retroactively from June 1, 2022. Until now, the compensation provided in the state was Rs 75,000 under the Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana. Although the central government had increased this amount to Rs 2 lakh two years ago, it was not implemented in Kerala.

On October 31, Kerala Kaumudi had reported that the financial aid meant for poor families was being denied due to official negligence. Following this, the file movement to implement the central directive was expedited.

The problem arose because officials kept the file pending despite the fact that the compensation could be disbursed from central funds without any burden on the state. As per the new directive, in cases of accidental death at work, death due to collapse (including heart attack), or permanent disability, Rs 2 lakh must be provided by the respective gram panchayat within five days. Later, the amount will be reimbursed to the panchayat from the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana fund. If a child accompanying the worker dies or suffers permanent disability at the worksite, Rs 1 lakh should also be provided as assistance.

Retroactive benefit:
Considering the retroactive effect from June 2022, 330 families are eligible for the compensation. On average, around 10 employment guarantee scheme workers die at worksites each month. The families who have so far received only Rs 75,000 will now get an additional Rs 1.25 lakh under the increased compensation.