February 25, 2012
CM introduces `Samajik Mukti Card` for unorganized labors, sets pace to East-West Metro Rail
“The weather is already warm and I am grateful to all of you for coming in spite of the heat. Actually, this concerns all the labors who are employed in the organized sector. I have always felt the need to ascertain some security for them as neither they have financial nor social security and this is the reason I have come up with the following projects”, said West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee who was addressing a rally at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, Salt Lake in Kolkata.
“I am helpless if my television doesn’t work and until you come and repair the same I am unable to watch my favourite programme and same goes with my taps as unless the plumber mend the tap I am deprived water, in one way or the other we are dependent on you. Those who are working for the development of the society must get the reward and I am not going to tolerate any injustice to them” said Ms. Banerjee addressing the huge gathering. She reiterated her stand and said that she is aware of the problems faced by those working in the private sectors as they unlike their counterparts working in the government sectors are not entitled to any pension or gratuity and that she wants to work towards bridging the gap. “We are introducing ‘Samajik Mukti Card’, which will enable you to all the facilities and this is all that you need to preserve as an identity. I am in favour of maintaining uniformity and doing away with numerous cards”, said Chief Minister who in her own special style inspired the gathering to get their names enlisted when the formalities begins in April and avail of the opportunity.
The Chief Minister said that the pension scheme will be applicable to those employed in the unorganized sectors and also those who are self employed. Apart from the labors, this will be applicable to those driving bus, taxi, truck, tempo, autorikshaw, handcart, van and other small vehicles. This will be also applicable to those employed with West Bengal Transport department.
Salient features:
The amount of pension will be increased from rupees 500/- to rupees 1,000/-
Rupees two-lakhs as ex-gratia payments to family members of the labour who die in an accident.
The labor will be entitled of rupees 30,000/- as treatment expenses for him, or anybody in the family in any hospital or nursing home.
Children of the labor appearing for graduation will be entitled for rupees 6,000/- as scholarship.
In a separate programme, Chief Minister inaugurated the Tunnelling programme for East-West Metro Rail at Subhas Sarobar. The East-West Metro will run from Salt Lake Sector 5 (in the east) to Howrah Maidan(in the west).
East-West Line will have passenger integration:
With Existing North – South Metro line at Central Station.
With Suburban & long distance Rail services at Howrah & Sealdah Major Stations.
With Bus Depot at Howrah and Sealdah Stations
With Ferry services at Howrah.
With Karunamoyee International Bus Terminal at Salt Lake City.
There are already adequate terminal facilities (Parking etc.) as well as modal integration for different modes of public transportation like Bus, Taxi, Auto Rickshaw etc. at Howrah & Sealdah Major Railway Stations.
In Mahakaran Station,(CBD Area of Kolkata) where a large number of commuters will be traveling every day. It is proposed that the SPV would run a shuttle bus operation all along the corridors of B.B.D. Bag, from this station on regular intervals, say every 15 minutes.
Similar bus facilities will be given at the three elevated stations at Salt Lake- City Centre, Central Park and Karunamoyee stations.
