People's Democracy

Pro-People Decisions of Tripura LF Govt

ON October 31, the cabinet of the Left Front government made a bold pro-people decision for the benefit of the fishermen and part time workers in various government departments. Senior fishermen of the BPL families would be given a pension of Rs 400 per month. The aspirants have to submit their applications through gram panchayat, village committee and nagar panchayat bodies, and the selected beneficiaries would be paid pension with effect from December 1, 2012.

Earlier, on October 16, the government had announced similar pension schemes for the benefit of the washermen, handloom workers, salon workers and motor workers.

Till now, 21 social pension schemes have been introduced in the state. Out of these, cent percent expenditure of 18 schemes is borne by the state government and 50 per cent of the rest are shared with the central government. 

Part time workers in various government departments would be treated as daily rated workers (DRW). A recent decision would enable them to earn not less than the minimum wage fixed by the government.

The government has also decided to purchase 10 per cent shares of the proposed fertiliser factory to be set up by the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) in North Tripura. If the factory is commissioned, it would rush great benefits to the peasantry of the state. (H D)