CHAPTER XVII
OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES
The primary object of the modern Welfare
State is to promote the general well being of the people. In its modern
socialistic pattern, social services hold a unique position. A large number of social services are
being undertaken since
(a) Labour Welfare
Fatehgarh Sahib district occupies
a prominent place on the industrial map of the State as its town Mandi Gobindgarh
is known as the ‘Steel Town of India’. Mandi Gobindgarh was declared free trade
zone for steel in 1928 by the then Maharaja of Nabha State and the first steel
mill was established there in 1940. Prior to 1947, the present area of
Fatehgarh Sahib District was the part of erstwhile
The concept of
labour welfare covers a broad field with the increasing pace of urbanization,
the working conditions of labourers have become more hazardous and less secure.
Problems like fatal accidents, insecurity of work, unfare wages, unsatisfactory
and unhygienic working and living conditions have become acute. The
Government’s role in regulating worker-employer relations, to ensure fair
wages, satisfactory working conditions and general welfare of labour have
become increasingly important.
The
Labour Legislation.- To tackle economic and social problems of
labour class, the labour legislation is necessary as the civil laws in general
do not particularly deals with the labour problems, working conditions,
industrial relations, social security and labour welfare of industrial workers.
It is that part of State action by which the State intervenes in the conduct of
industry and imposes statutory obligations for the most part on the employers
and to a subsidiary degree on the workmen. To tackle the labour problems, many
Labour Acts were passed by the Central and State Governments. The labour laws
are motivated by humanitarian approach, as propounded by the International
Labour Organization and are based mostly on principles of social justice. Under
the Constitution of India, labour, is a concurrent subject and as such both
Central and State Legislatures are empowered to make laws. Accordingly, the
State Government has also enacted certain labour legislations to suit the local
needs.
The
important labour laws (Central and State) in force in the Fatehgarh Sahib
district are: The Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923; The Trade Unions Act, 1926;
the Payment of Wages Act , 1936; the Employment of Children Act, 1938; The
Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; The Industrial Disputes
Act,1947;The Minimum Wages, Act, 1948; The Factories Act, 1948; The Collection
of Statistics Act, 1953; The Working Journalists (Conditions of Services and
Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1955; The Industrial Housing Act, 1956; The
Working Journalists (Fixation of Rates of Wages) Act 1955; The Punjab Shops and
Commercial Establishments Act, 1958; The Motor Transport Workers’ Act, 1961;
The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961; The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; The Punjab
Industrial Establishments (National and Festival Holidays, Casual and Sick
Leave) Act, 1965, The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition ) Act, 1970;
The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972; The Fair Wages Clause and East Punjab Public
Workers Department Contractors Labour Regulations; The Equal Remuneration Act,
1976; The Sales Promotion Employees’ (Condition of Services) Act, 1976; The
Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976; The Inter-State Migrant Workmen
(Regulation of Employment and Condition of Services Act, 1979; The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986;
The Labour Laws (Exemption from Furnishing Returns and Maintaining Registers by Certain
Establishments ) Act, 1988; The Building and Other Construction Workers
(Regulation of Employment and Condition of Services) Act, 1996.
The
above mentioned labour enactments contain various welfare measures for the
labour and inter alia provided for regulation of conditions and
hours of work, rest intervals, leave with wages national and festival holidays,
casual and sick leave, overtime payment, safety from accidents, health and
sanitation, prohibition of employment of children below certain age and of
women at night, regular payment of wages, payment of minimum wages , payment of
gratuity, formation of trade unions for the purpose of collective bargaining,
payment of minimum bonus, certification of standing orders by employers for
clearly defining the service conditions of workers, redressal of grievances and
settlement of industrial disputes.
Before
The area of Fatehgarh Sahib District
falls under the jurisdiction of Assistant Labour Commissioner,
The
salient features of the Central and State Labour Laws in force in the district
are given below:
State
Legislation.- The Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishment Act,1958 regulates
the conditions of work and terms of employment of workers engaged in shops and
commercial establishments and those
industrial establishments which are not covered under the Factories Act, 1948.
It covers hours of work, holidays, leave, wages, employment of children and
there working hours closing and opening hours, health, safety, welfare and
maternity benefits. The Punjab Labour
Welfare Funds Act, 1965 provides for the setting up of Labour Welfare Board and
appointment of a Welfare Commissioner. All unpaid accumulations of the workers
have to be paid to the Labour Welfare Board, which shall keep a separate
account to be utilised by it for defraying the cost of carrying out measures
for promoting the welfare of labourers and their dependents. A Labour Welfare
Board is already functioning in the State. The
Labour Welfare Commissioner,
In
order to secure proper benefit under the various labour laws, a full-fledged
enforcement machinery works under the Labour Commissioner,
Industrial
Relations.- The relations between the workers and employers are governed by
the Industrial Dispute Act, 1947. The object of this Act is to ensure
harmonious industrial relations between the workers and employers. The
Assistant Labour commissioner,
The
relations between the employers and employees remained peaceful during 1992-93
and 1995-96 to 2000-2001 as no strike took place in the district.
Trade Union.- In the erstwhile
The
trade unions are corporate bodies which functions in the interest of their
member and aimed at furthering good relations between employees and employers.
They strive the impact of economic, moral and social condition of labourers and
ensure payment of fair wages, provision of healthy living and working
conditions and proper medical and education facility to their children and
their family members. The trade unions registered in the district upto
The
Factories Act,1948.-
The Factories Act,1948 was enacted to provide congenial atmosphere, healthy and
clean surroundings to the workers during the working hours and for the
improvement of industrial efficiency.
The Act was enforced in the State in
April 1949. It was amended in 1954 to remove certain practical difficulties in calculation of leave with
wages and to bring certain essential provisions relating to employment of women
and young persons in factories during night. The Act covers all industrial
establishments employing 10 or more workers where power is used or 20 or more
workers, where power is not in use. Under the Act, the factory owner is
required to send a written notice containing full details regarding the factory
to the Chief Inspector of Factories. The Act prescribed certain provisions regarding
cleanliness, lighting, ventilation, sanitation, safety measures, prevention of
overcrowding, precautionary measures against fire, dangerous fumes explosive or
inflammable dust, etc. It also provides for the elimination of dust and fumes,
control of temperature, supply of cold drinking water, protection of eyes, ect.
in the working premises. The welfare provisions included in the Act provide for
adequate canteen facilities, crèches and shelters or rest rooms. The Act also
lays down that every factory employing 1,000 or more workers shall engage a
qualified Safety Officer and every factory employing 500 or more workers shall
engage a qualified Labour Welfare Officer to look after the welfare of workers.
With a view to ensuring the enforcement of these provisions, the inspectorate
staff are required to carry out a minimum number of inspections every month. In
case of default, the management is warned and asked to provide the required
facilities to the workers and if the violation continues, prosecutions are
launched.
With
the establishment of large scale units the extension of various provisions
of the Factories Act for labour welfare
assumed special importance. The attitude of employers has changed in favour of
providing better amenities to labourers. The number of registered working
factories in the Fatehgarh Sahib
District during the year 2001 was 380 and the average number of workers
employed in these factories during the year was 14,492.
Employees’
Provident Fund Act.- The wages of the industrial workers are not
sufficient to enable them to save adequately for their old age. When old age or
illness renders them unfit for work, they are forced to lead a life of abject
poverty and dependence. In the event of worker’s premature death his dependents
are left destitute. To provide an umbrella of social security benefits to the
work force engaged in non-governmental sector, the Employee’s Provident Fund
and Miscellaneous Provisions Act,1952 was enacted by the Government of India.
The Employee’s Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952 and the
schemes framed there under have been structured as self applying and the
employees of the establishments are responsible to report compliance of their
own. The details of these three schemes are described as under:
Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme.- The Employee’s Provident Fund (EPF)
Scheme was designed by the Government of India to provide social security to
industrial workers under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous
Provisions Act,1952.The EPF Scheme was introduced on
The
entire amount is deposited with State Bank of
Employees’
State Insurance Scheme.- It is designed to provide security in the form
of cash benefit besides medical care to the industrial workers against well
recognised contingencies like sickness, maternity, disablement death due to
employment injury, and to provide medical care to insured persons and their
families, Wherever applicable the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI) is
compulsory, To the employee drawing wages upto Rs 6,500 or less per month
working in the factories. The scheme provides protection to all employees
engaged on monthly remuneration in a factory using power and employing 10 or
more persons and establishments/shops not using power and employing 20 or more
persons. Share is deducted from his wages by the employer, The Employees’ State
Insurance Scheme was introduced in the
The Scheme is mainly financed by
contributions from employers and employees. The employers contribute @ 4.75 per
cent of the wages payable to the coverable employees and the employees @ 1.75 per cent of their wages towards
scheme. The Act places prime responsibility on employers of paying as well as
the employees share of the contribution. The employees’ share is deducted from
his wages by the employer. Employees in the lower wage group and in receipt of
average daily wage up to Rs 40 per day are not required to contribute. The employers,
however, contribute their share in respect of such employees also. Employees in receipt of an average daily wage
of Rs 40 or less are exempted from payment of their share of contribution
(w.e.f.
The worker who is covered under the scheme
is entitled to get medical benefits from the day he enters into insurable
employment. It consists of free medical treatment in case of sickness, injury
and maternity. His family members are also entitled to get free medical care as
explained under the Act. Insured women are entitled to get periodical payments
in case of confinement, miscarriage or sickness arising out of confinement and
premature birth of child. In recent years, the Employees’ State Insurance
Corporation has been providing additional benefits and protection to the
workers suffering from tuberculosis, cancer, leprosy, mental diseases and also
provides artificial limbs.
The insured
men/women undergoing sterilization under family planning programme are entitled
to cash benefits and rest of 7 days for vasectomy and 14 days for tubectomy.
This may also be extended to 14 days and 21 days, respectively, in consequence
of post-operative complications.
In addition to above the sickness
benefit is available to an insured worker in case of certified sickness. It
consists of cash payment for 91 days in two consecutive benefit periods in case
of sickness duly certified by Medical
Officer to compensate the loss of wages suffered on account of their absence
from work. In case of long term diseases insured persons are entitled to
extended sickness at a higher rate of
not less then 70 per cent of average daily wage for a further period of 124
days/two years provided he has been in
continuous employment for a period of 2 years or more in a factory or
establishment to which the provisions of the Act apply and fulfils the
contributory conditions as per the Corporation’s resolution. In case of
temporary disability arising out of an employment injury, disablement benefit is
admissible to an insured person for the entire period for which he has not
worked for wages. The benefit is not subject to any contributory condition and
is payable at a rate which is not less than 70
per cent of the daily average wages. The benefit is not payable if the
incapacity is less than 3 days excluding the date of accident. Further if an
employment injury results in permanent disablement, the insured person is
entitled to permanent disablement benefit not more than Rs 1.50 per day
commutation of permanent disablement benefit into lump sum payment is allowed
in case the total commuted value does not exceed Rs 10,000. Dependents benefit
is available in the form of pension to the dependents of deceased worker, in
case his death occurs due to an industrial accident or injury. The rates of
pension vary depending upon the relationship between the deceased and
dependents.
Under this Act, the funeral expenses are in
the nature of lump sum payment up to a maximum of Rs 2,000 made to defray the
expenditure on the funeral of the deceased insured person. The amount is
paid either to the eldest surviving
member of the family or in his absence to the person who actually incurs the
expenditure on the funeral.
The scheme functions under the Employees’
State Insurance Corporation which has its headquarters at
Employee’s Pension
Scheme:- The scheme was introduced on
Employee’s Deposit
and Linked Insurance Scheme.- The scheme was introduced on 1 August 1976
under the Employee’s Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, to
provide an insurance cover to the family members of the employee’s provident
fund who die during the employment.
Under this scheme in the event of death of an employee, his dependents would be
entitled to an additional payment equivalent to three years, average balance of
the credit of the deceased employee subject to a maximum of Rs 10,000. From
March 1990, the rate of amount payable under this scheme has been enhanced to
Rs 15,000. Contribution under this scheme is made by the employer @ 5 per cent
of the wages of the employee.
(b) Prohibition
Though
Fatehgarh Sahib is not a dry area, but some steps, as in other parts of the
State, have been taken to discourage addicts from indulging in drink. The
efforts by officials as well as non-official agencies continue to inculcate the
habit of abstinence in the people. The Government efforts include the
restriction on the hours of sale of spiritual liquor and intoxicants, fixation
of maximum quantity of liquor which can be sold to an individual at a time and
increase in excise duty and price of liquor. The sale of ganja and bhang
is prohibited. Although the use of liquor is free in the district, yet it has
been restricted on these days; 26 January (Republic day), 15 August (Independence
Day) and 2 October (Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi). Besides, liquor vends are
closed in the area during the elections for three days. The sale of opium is
also prohibited except for medical uses. During the year 2000-2001, there were
eight licence holders for consumption of opium in the district with as
essentiality certificate from a Medical Officer. Under the Excise Act, illicit
distillation is a criminal offence. The drinking of liquor is banned at public
places. In 2000-2001 there were 99 country liquor vends and 34 Indian made
foreign-liquor vends in the district. The consumption of excise able articles
in the district during the years 1992-93 and 1996-1997
to 2000-2001 is
given below:
|
Year |
Country Spirit (Proof Litre) |
Foreign Spirit (Proof Litre) |
Wine/Beer (Bulk litre) |
Opium(kg) |
||||
|
1992-93 |
7,62,810 |
2,13,771 |
89,350 |
- |
|
|||
|
1996-97 |
11,61,000 |
4,59,991 |
1,16,823 |
0.750 |
|
|||
|
1997-98 |
11,71,000 |
4,69,294 |
1,81,779 |
- |
|
|||
|
1998-99 |
12,31,000 |
8,13,770 |
4,12,889 |
0.636 |
|
|||
|
1999-2000 |
13,54,109 |
6,88,841 |
2,97,688 |
0.750 |
|
|||
|
2000-2001 |
13,54,109 |
5,00,000 |
2,61,807 |
- |
||||
(Source: Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Fatehgarh
Sahib)
The number of Country liquor and Indian made foreign liquor vends in the Fatehgarh Sahib District, during the years 1992-93 and 1996-1997 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Country Liquor |
Indian made Foreign Liquor |
|
1992-93 |
40 |
13 |
|
1996-97 |
64 |
18 |
|
1997-98 |
65 |
20 |
|
1998-99 |
85 |
31 |
|
1999-2000 |
99 |
34 |
|
2000-2001 |
99 |
34 |
(Source:
Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Fatehgarh Sahib)
Fatehgarh Sahib
District falls under the jurisdiction of Deputy Excise and Taxation
Commissioner,
|
Year |
Excise Act |
|
1992-93 |
18 |
|
1996-97 |
88 |
|
1997-98 |
95 |
|
1998-99 |
88 |
|
1999-2000 |
100 |
|
2000-2001 |
103 |
(Source:
Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Fatehgarh Sahib )
(c)
Advancement of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes
Several efforts to improve the
social conditions of Scheduled Castes were started even before the
After
the formation of PEPSU and its merger with
Scheduled
Castes and Backward Classes.- According to the 2001 Census, the number of
Scheduled Castes persons was 1,65,036 (88,087 males 76,949 females) forming
30.67 per cent of the total population of the district. Out of these 1,35,434
(72,277 males and 63,157 females) lived in rural areas and 29,602 (15,810 males
males and 13,792 females) in urban areas
The
list and main profession of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes inhibiting in
the Fatehgarh Sahib district is given in Appendix II on pages 398 to 399.
Measures
Adopted for the Betterment of the Conditions of Scheduled Castes and Backward
Classes.- The Constitution of India provides for special safeguards for the Backward Classes which
include Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Denotified Tribes and other
Backward Classes. The interests of the Scheduled Castes have been protected by
including them in the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. The
Constitution provides that no discrimination can be made against them in any
shape or form. Article 15(a) of the Constitution empowers the States to make special
provisions for the advancement of Scheduled Castes.
Untouchability
which puts a social ban on Scheduled Cates to mingle freely and without fear
with their fellow beings of other communities is one of the greatest social,
evil from which they suffered since long and, therefore, there was an urgent
need to remove this disability. Efforts had been made in the past, both by the
Government and social reformers to do away this evil practice but without
success. With the dawn of
Under
the division of powers, welfare of the Harijans was made the responsibility of
the States. The States enacted legislative measures for the abolition of
untouchability and removal of other hardships confronted by them. The State
Government took lead in enacting legislation for abolition of untouchability.
The
Under
Article 330 and 332 of the Constitution, provision has been made for the
reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and among others, in the
Parliament as also in the State Legislatures on population basis. Initially the
reservation was for a period of 10 years, i.e. up to 1960. This period was
extended up to 2010. In order to provide employment to the educated persons of
these classes, 25 per cent vacancies have been reserved for the Scheduled
Castes and 5 per cent for the Backward Classes in all government departments
and establishments. To ensure proper implementation of the instructions
regarding the reservation of seats in service, a special cell has been created
in the Department of Social Welfare. No department can recruit a non–Scheduled
Castes candidate against a post reserved for Scheduled Castes unless a
certificate is obtained form the cell to this effect that no suitable Scheduled
Caste candidate is available. The Scheduled Castes candidates also enjoy age
relaxation concessions with regard to recruitment to services.
The
Directive Principles of State Policy empowers the States to take special care
in promoting the interests of the weaker sections of the society, particularly
Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. The Directorate of Welfare of Scheduled
Castes and Backward Classes,
The
District Welfare Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib is responsible for the implementation
of welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes at the district
level. He is assisted by 1 Tahsil Welfare Officer, 1 Supervisor besides other
miscellaneous Class III and Class IV
staff. The details of various schemes undertaken for ameliorating the lot
of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes are given below:
Subsidy
for Construction of New Houses for Scheduled Castes and Vimukt Jatties.- There was much shortage of houses among the
members of Scheduled Casts and Vimukt Jatties. In order to provide shelter to the
homeless members of the Scheduled Castes and Vimukat Jatties, subsidies are
given for the construction of new houses. Such subsidy is given to a person who
has no house of his own. This scheme was started as centrally sponsored scheme
but in 1975-76, it was transferred to the State. The amount of subsidy which
was earlier Rs 900 was increased to Rs 2,000 in 1975-76and further to Rs 5,000
in 1985-86. The scheme was discontinued in 1989-90. It was, however, revised in
1993-94 and the amount of subsidy was raised to Rs 7,500 which was further
raised to Rs 15,000 in 1995-96. In the year 1997-98, amount of subsidy was
increased to Rs 50,000, but funds were not allocated under this scheme in the
district after 1996-97.
The
amount of subsidy granted and the number of beneficiaries under the scheme in
the Fatehgarh Sahib District during 1993-94 and 1996-97 are given below:
|
Year |
Amount disbursed (Rs) |
Number of beneficiaries |
|
|
1993-94 |
15,00,000 |
100 |
|
|
1996-97 |
125,00,000 |
250 |
|
(Source:
District Welfare Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib)
Construction
of Dharmshalas/ Chaupals.- Scheduled Castes have no place of their own to
celebrate festivals or marriage of their children. In order to remove this
difficulty the State Government introduced a scheme in 1969-70 under which
dharmshalas are constructed in the basties of Scheduled Castes persons. Under
this scheme, a grant to extent of Rs 10,000 for the construction of new
dharmshalas/ chaupals and Rs 3,000 for the repair of an old/kachcha or
completion of an incomplete one was given in the form of grant . The grant for
the construction of new dharmshala has been increased to Rs 50,000 and for repair of old dharmshalas to Rs 15,000
from 1993-94 further it was increased to Rs 1,00,000 for new construction and
50,000 for repair of old dharmshalas. The land and labour for construction of
dharamshalas are arranged by the community/village panchayat.
The
amount disbursed and the number of dharmshalas/chaupals
constructed/repaired in the district during the year 1992-93 to 1999-2000 is
given below:
|
Year |
Amount disbursed ( Rs) |
Number of dharmshalas/ chaupals constructed |
|
1992-93 |
2,80,000 |
25 |
|
1996-97 |
- |
- |
|
1997-98 |
2,05,000 |
09 |
|
1998-99 |
5,00,000 |
10 |
|
1999-2000 |
5,00,000 |
10 |
|
2000-2001 |
4,00,000 |
8 |
(Source:
District Welfare Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib)
Grant for the Purchase of Books and
Stationary to Scheduled Castes Students.- This scheme was started in the year 1976-77 for
middle classes and the scope of the scheme was enlarged to cover high classes
in 1981-82 and further to primary classes in 1986-87.
The
amount disbursed and the number of students benefited under the scheme in the
district, during the years 1992-93 and 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Amount
disbursed (Rs) |
Number
of students Benefited |
|
1992-93 |
15,50,000 |
27,583 |
|
1996-97 |
7,94,000 |
29,780 |
|
1997-98 |
14,92,000 |
29,990 |
|
1998-99 |
23,52,000 |
35,374 |
|
1999-2000 |
36,44,000 |
38,381 |
|
2000-2001 |
15,00,000 |
35,546 |
(Source: District Welfare Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib)
Financial Assistance to Scheduled Castes for the Development of Manurial Pits.- It is establishing fact that most of Scheduled Castes families residing in rural areas have no land for dumping their domestic waste. Keeping in view the acuteness of the problems faced by the Scheduled Caste in the State, this scheme was started in the year 1980-81.
Under this scheme manurial pits measuring not more than one marla is provided to each Scheduled Castes family in rural areas. This scheme was, however dropped in 1985. Keeping in view, its relevance, this scheme was revived in the year 1990-91. This scheme was implemented at the district level by District Planning Board/District Welfare Officer concerned . As per the norms of the scheme, the rate for the land to be purchased for the purpose was fixed at maximum of Rs 5,000 per marla. The scheme was again dropped in the year 1996-97*.
The
amount disbursed and the number of beneficiaries under the scheme in the
district, during the year 1992-93 and
1996-97 is given below:
|
Year |
Amount disbursed (Rs) |
Number of beneficiaries |
|
1992-93 |
1,06,000 |
106 |
|
1996-97 |
2,24,400 |
66 |
(Source: District Welfare Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib)
Attendance Scholarship to Scheduled Castes Girl
Students Studying in Primary Classes.- It has been observed that the number of
Scheduled Castes girls in educational institutions is much less than their
population, it is because of the fact that the parents/guardians of these girls
are usually very poor and they don’t pay any heed to female education. If at
all these girls are admitted in the schools, they leave their studies to assist
their parents for the augmentation of their family income by taking up menial
jobs. Keeping these circumstances in view, the State Government has decided to
adopt some ways and means so that the drop-out tendency is checked initially at
primary stage. Consequently the scheme namely ‘Attendance Scholarship to
Scheduled Castes Girl Students Studying in Primary Classes’ was introduced from
the year 1992-93 as District level scheme.
Under
this scheme, attendance scholarship of Rs 50 per month per girl student, for 10
months in a year is awarded to those Scheduled Castes girl students studying in
primary classes whose parents have not more
than 5 acres
of land or
whose parents do not pay income
tax. For award of scholarship 75 per cent attendance is required.
The amount disbursed and the number
of students benefited under the scheme in the district, during the years
1992-93 and 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Amount disbursed (Rs) |
Number of students Benefited |
|
|
1992-93 |
8,05,000 |
6,715 |
|
|
1996-97 |
15,75,000 |
8,860 |
|
|
1997-98 |
38,21,000 |
9,582 |
|
|
1998-99 |
48,21,000 |
9,653 |
|
|
1999-2000 |
24,10,000 |
9,199 |
|
|
2000-2001 |
69,00,000 |
9,999 |
|
(Source:
District Welfare Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib)
* The Government have decided
to re-start this scheme from the year 2001-2002 with a token provision of Rs 5
lakh, but no funds, under this scheme, were released by Government during the
year 2001-2002
Removal of Untouchability.- Constitution of
|
Year |
Intercaste Marriages
|
Best Panchayats
|
Voluntary Organisations
|
||||||
|
|
Amount
(Rs) |
No.
of couples |
(Rs) |
Number |
(Rs) |
Number |
|||
|
1992-93 |
7,000 |
01 |
10,000 |
02 |
- |
- |
|||
|
1996-97 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|||
|
1997-98 |
1,00,000 |
04 |
76,000 |
05 |
- |
- |
|||
|
1998-99 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|||
|
1999-2000 |
2,00,000 |
08 |
75,000 |
05 |
- |
- |
|||
|
2000-2001 |
1,75,000 |
07 |
75,000 |
05 |
- |
- |
|||
(Source: District Welfare Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib)
Individual
Water Borne Latrines Scheme for Scheduled Castes in the Rural Areas.- The
Scheduled Castes people particularly old people, women and children face difficulties in the
rural area as they have to depend upon fields to attend to the call of the
nature. Worst is the position when either of these are not feeling well. It is equally necessary to prevent open
defecation which is prone to epidemic diseases. Keeping in view these
difficulties and for environmental improvement of Scheduled Castes basties,
this scheme was introduced in the year 1990-91. Under this scheme, a sum of Rs
2,500 per unit is provided as subsidy to construct one unit of pucca latrines.
No funds were allocated under this scheme since 1997-98.
The amount disbursed and the number
of water borne latrines constructed in the district, during the years 1992-93
and 1996-97 are given below:
|
Year |
Amount disbursed (Rs) |
Number of water borne latrines constructed |
|
|
1992-93 |
4,95,000 |
124 |
|
|
1996-97 |
7,00,000 |
250 |
|
(Source:
District Welfare Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib)
Shagun
Scheme.- Shagun Scheme has been started by the Punjab Government w.e.f.
1 The girl should belong to
Scheduled Castes/ Christian family
2 The girl should be above 18 years
of age
3 The annual income of the family
should not exceed Rs 16,000
4 The parents of the girl should be
domicile of
The amount disbursed and the number of beneficiaries
during the years 1997-98 to
2000-2001 is given below:
Year |
Amount disbursed (Rs) |
Number of
beneficiaries |
|
1997-98 |
47,02,200 |
922 |
|
1998-99 |
48,45,000 |
950 |
|
1999-2000 |
27,84,600 |
546 |
|
2000-2001 |
30,19,200 |
592 |
(Source:
District Welfare Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib)
Sports Award to Scheduled Castes
students.- The aim
of the scheme is to inculcate the spirit of competition amongst the Scheduled Castes
students in the field of sports. Under this scheme, Scheduled Castes students
studying from 6th to 12th classes are awarded scholarship @ Rs 25 per month ,
who secure the first three positions i.e.1st 2nd and 3rd
in the following games/sports amongst Scheduled Castes students in each
educational block in 5th , 8th and 10th
classes(3 Boys and 3 Girls). This award will continue for 3 years, 2 years and
2 years respectively.
This is a scheme of district level and the amount provided under the scheme is placed at the disposal of the District Planning and Development Board.
The
amount disbursed and the number of children
benefited under the scheme in the district, during the years 1992-93 and
1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Amount
disbursed (Rs) |
Number
of beneficiaries |
|
1992-93 |
42,176 |
140 |
|
1996-97 |
82,270 |
400 |
|
1997-98 |
53,600 |
253 |
|
1998-99 |
31,200 |
253 |
|
1999-2000 |
38,000 |
253 |
|
2000-2001 |
- |
- |
(Source: District Welfare Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib)
Crèches
for the Children of Working Mothers (Sweepers/Scavengers).- This scheme was started in the year
1976-77. Under this scheme, crèches have been provided for the children up to
the age of 6 years belonging to the families of sweepers and scavengers. The
main aim of the scheme is to relieve the burden of parents regarding safety of
their children while they are at work and to provide security to them. At each
centre there is Lady Supervisor and two
Nurse-cum-Lady Attendants.
The amount disbursed and the number
of children benefited under the scheme in the district, during the years
1992-93 and 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Amount disbursed (Rs) |
Number of children admitted |
|
1992-93 |
15,50,000 |
27,583 |
|
1996-97 |
7,94,000 |
29,780 |
|
1997-98 |
14,92,000 |
29,990 |
|
1998-99 |
23,52,000 |
35,374 |
|
1999-2000 |
36,44,000 |
38,381 |
|
2000-2001 |
15,00,000 |
35,546 |
(Source: District Welfare Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib)
Social Welfare Activities
The Social Welfare Department
was set up in September 1955. Its name has been changed to Social Security with
effect from 15 December 19951. The department is entrusted with the
work of formulation and implementation of various welfare schemes for socially
and economically weaker sections of the society. It has been assisting
institutional as well as non-institutional welfare services for the welfare of
children, women, aged and infirms, orthopaedically handicapped, the blind, deaf
and dumb and other under-privileged and mal-adjusted groups. Some schemes such
as old age pension, financial assistance to widows and destitute, to dependent
children, to victims of chronic diseases, to victims of riots, to widows whose
husbands were killed by terrorists and scholarships to handicapped students
have been started. Keeping in view the difficulties of the needy public these
schemes have been decentralised from November 1980. The District Social
Security Officers have been appointed in
all the districts
under the supervision of
the Deputy Commissioner. The
payments to the beneficiaries are made by the District Social Security
Officers and Sub Divisional Magistrates through banks.
The schemes functioning in the Fatehgarh Sahib District under Social Security Officer are detailed below:
Financial Assistance to Widows and Destitute Women.- This scheme was introduced in the State in 1968, with a view to providing financial assistance to needy destitute women below the age of 60 years. Under this scheme, the assistance is given to those women who are left without any means of subsistence after the demise of their husband or whose husbands are physically or mentally incapable of earning a livelihood. The rate of assistance was fixed to Rs 50 per month but was raised to 100 in 1990 and Rs 150 in 1991-92 and to 200 during the year 1995-96.
The amount
disbursed and the number of beneficiaries under the scheme in the Fatehgarh
Sahib district, during the years 1992-93 and 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Amount disbursed (Rs) |
Number of beneficiaries |
|
1992-93 |
6,20,700 |
459 |
|
1996-97 |
31,89,564 |
1,186 |
|
1997-98 |
36,29,540 |
1,765 |
|
1998-99 |
21,02,000 |
2,126 |
|
1999-2000 |
37,82,400 |
1,116 |
|
2000-2001 |
42,16,400 |
2,281 |
(Source: District Social Security Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib)
1 Vide Notification No. 11/111/95-5 S.W 9151 dated
Old Age Pension Scheme.- To provide social security, the protective umbrella in the form of old age pension was provided to old, destitute and disabled persons, for the first time in 1964. The old age and destitute persons above the age of 65 years in the case of men and 60 years in the case of women with no means of livelihood and have no earning son are eligible for pension, the persons who are suffering from permanent disability were allowed relaxation of 10 years in the lower age limit. Initially, this assistance was granted @ Rs 50 per month which was raised to Rs 100 in 1990 to Rs 150 in 1992-93 and further to Rs 200 during the year 1995-96.
The National Old Age Pension Scheme was started in August 1995. Under this scheme, financial assistance of Rs 75 per month is given to aged, infirms and destitute persons above the age of 65 years in case of men and 60 years in case of women.
The amount disbursed and the number of beneficiaries under the schemes ‘Old Age Pension’ and ‘National Old Age Pension’ during the Years 1996-97 to 2000-2001 in the Fatehgarh Sahib District is given below:
|
Year Old age
Pension
National
Old Age Pension |
|||||
|
|
disbursed beneficiaries (Rs) |
disbursed beneficiaries (Rs) |
|||
|
1996-97 |
1,35,07,790 |
6,046 |
11,97,000 |
1,000 |
|
|
1997-98 |
1,58,80,000 |
6,875 |
4,50,000 |
1,000 |
|
|
1998-99 |
2,29,66,800 |
12,500 |
8,80,000 |
1,000 |
|
|
1999-2000 |
2,18,57,900 |
9,220 |
5,10,000 |
1,000 |
|
|
2000-2001 |
2,29,17,000 |
13,206 |
10,20,000 |
1,132 |
|
(Source : District Social Security Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib )
Financial Assistance to
the Dependent Children.- This scheme was introduced in March 1968. The objective of this scheme was
to provide financial assistance to the destitute children whose
parents/guardians are not in a position to bring them up. Assistance is given
for the maintenance and education of such children through their
parents/guardians upto the maximum age of 21 years, upto which he is a regular
student and the benefit is restricted upto two children only in a family.
Preference is given to the school going children for financial assistance as an
incentive so as to educate them and to orphan and destitute children upto the
age of 21 years who have either lost their parents or whose parents are unable
to maintain them due to some incurable disease or permanent physical
disability. In the beginning the rate of financial assistance was Rs 50 per
month per child which was finally raised to Rs 200 during the year 1995-96.
The
amount disbursed and the number of beneficiaries under the scheme in the
Fatehgarh Sahib District, during the years 1992-93 and 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given
below:
|
Year |
Amount disbursed (Rs) |
Number of beneficiaries |
|
1992-93 |
1,28,050 |
94 |
|
1996-97 |
18,05,888 |
202 |
|
1997-98 |
16,30,000 |
870 |
|
1998-99 |
10,85,600 |
1,072 |
|
1999-2000 |
15,91,000 |
271 |
|
2000-2001 |
19,80,800 |
1,110 |
(Source:
District Social Security Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib)
Financial Assistance to
Disabled Persons.-Government
is very conscious towards the welfare of disabled persons so that they may lead
a life of dignity and started a scheme from
The amount disbursed and the number of
beneficiaries under the scheme in the Fatehgarh Sahib District, during the
years 1992-93 and
1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Amount disbursed (Rs) |
Number of beneficiaries |
|
1992-93 |
2,12,900 |
157 |
|
1996-97 |
14,00,000 |
517 |
|
1997-98 |
16,00,000 |
724 |
|
1998-99 |
9,90,600 |
979 |
|
1999-2000 |
12,03,600 |
535 |
|
2000-2001 |
16,34,200 |
915 |
(Source: District Social Security Officer, Fatehgarh
Sahib)
National Family Benefit
Scheme.- This
scheme was started during the year 1995. Under this scheme, financial
assistance of Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 is provided to those persons who are
living below the poverty line in case of natural death and in case of
accidental death, respectively. This amount was increased to Rs 10,000 in both
cases of death from August 1998.
The
amount disbursed and the number of
beneficiaries under this scheme in the Fatehgarh Sahib District, during the
years 1992-93 and
1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Amount disbursed (Rs) |
Number of beneficiaries |
|
1996-97 |
3,76,000 |
62 |
|
1997-98 |
1,78,000 |
26 |
|
1998-99 |
4,03,000 |
51 |
|
1999-2000 |
1,91,000 |
19 |
|
2000-2001 |
2,80,000 |
29 |
(Source :
District Social Security Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib )
The
Scheme are Functioning Under the District Progamme Officer are as under:
Integrated Child Development Programme.- The scheme was launched by the Government of India in 1975-76 on experimental basis in 33 blocks of the country but later on the scope of scheme was enlarged every year and all the blocks of State were covered upto 1996-97. The main objectives of the scheme are: to improve the nutritional and health status of child in the age of 0 to 6 years; to lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child; to reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity; malnutrition and school drop out; to achieve effective co-ordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments; to promote child development and to enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education. All these services are available in the Aanganwari centres established at various places in the district.
During 2000-2001, 3,218 pregnant and nursing women, 650 children between the age group of 0-3 years and 9,787 children between the age group of 3-6 years were benefited under the scheme in the district and 369 anganwari centres were functioning in the district.
Kanya Jagriti Joti Scheme.- To uplift the social status of the girls, the
Kayna Jagriti Joti Scheme was introduced in the State with the main aim to
educate them. Under the scheme Rs 5,000
are invested in LIC by the Government in the name of girl child born on or
after 26 January 1996, provided the income of the family from all sources does
not exceed Rs 20,000 per year or the family is living below the poverty
line. The main objective of the scheme
is to raise the social status of girl child and to decrease the school dropout
among the girls. Under this scheme a
scholarship of Rs 1,200 per annum from
Free Travel Facility to Women Above
the Age of 60 Years.- The scheme was
started from
National Maternity Benefit Scheme.- This
scheme has also been started under National Social Assistance Programme on
Balika Samridhi Yojna.- It is
a centrally sponsored scheme. This scheme was launched in October, 1997 in
During 2000-2001 in the Fatehgarh Sahib District 200 girls were benefited under this scheme.
Financial Assistance to
the Victims of Riots.-This scheme was started in 1985 with a view to providing financial
assistance to the widows of victims of riots which occurred in the wake of
assassination of former Prime Minister Smt Indira Gandhi on
The parents of the victims have
also been included in the scheme for subsistence allowance from
Subsistence allowance of Rs 2,500
is given on the condition that if the income of the widows/parents including
subsistence allowance does not exceed Rs 5,000 per month. If the total income
increases Rs 5,000 the rate of subsistence allowance is reduced accordingly.
The children of the victims are also provided free education
The amount disbursed under the
scheme and the number of beneficiaries in the district during the years 1996-97
to 2000-2001 are given below:
|
Year |
Amount
Disbursed (Rs) |
No.
of Beneficiaries |
|
1996-97 |
1,05,500 |
6 |
|
1997-98 |
1,26,000 |
6 |
|
1998-99 |
1,29,500 |
6 |
|
1999-2000 |
1,32,500 |
4 |
|
2000-2001 |
1,71,750 |
4 |
|
(Source: Sub
Divisional Magistrates Amloh, Fatehgarh Sahib, Khamano, Bassi Pathana ) |
||
Financial Assistance to
Widows Whose Husbands were killed by Terrorists.- A scheme for providing financial assistance
to the widows whose husbands were killed by the terrorists in the State was
started on 1 August 1984. Under this scheme, a lump sum grant and financial
assistance of Rs 250 per month per widow is provided whose husbands was killed
by terrorists. The monthly assistance has been increased to Rs 1,000 from
May 1990 to Rs 1,500 from April 1992 and further increased to Rs 2,500 from 1
August 1998.
Under
this scheme parents of the victims have also been provided subsistence
allowance of Rs 300 per month with effect from 1 April 1992. It has been
increased to Rs 1,500 with effect from 1 April 1995 and further increased to Rs
2,500 per month with effect from 1 August 1998 on the condition if the only/all
sons were killed, if any son is alive then the rate of assistance was Rs 300
per month which has increased to Rs 750 per month from 1 October 1998.
Subsistence
allowance of Rs 2,500 is given on the condition that if the income of the
widow/parents including subsistence allowance does not exceed Rs 5,000 per
month. If the total income increases Rs 5,000 the rate of subsistence allowance
is reduced accordingly. The children of the victims are also provided free
education up to University level and they are provided priority in service.
The amount disbursed under the
scheme and the number of beneficiaries in the district during the year 1996-97
to 2000-2001 are given below:
|
Year |
Amount
Disbursed (Rs) |
No.
of Beneficiaries |
|
1996-97 |
3,14,640 |
135 |
|
1997-98 |
45,74,805 |
132 |
|
1998-99 |
28,94,950 |
123 |
|
1999-2000 |
38,19,354 |
147 |
|
2000-2001 |
51,79,028 |
140 |
|
(Source:
Sub Divisional Magistrates Amloh, Fatehgarh Sahib, Khamano, Bassi Pathana ) |
||
|
APPENDIX
I (Vide page375) List of Trade Unions in the Fatehgarh Sahib District |
|
|
Serial No |
Name |
|
1 |
Kasturba Khadi Udyog Workers Union, Bassi Pathana |
|
2 |
The Fatehgarh Sahib Central Cooperative
Employees Union, Sirhind |
|
3 |
Municipal Employees Union, Mandi Gobindgarh |
|
4 |
Municipal Employees Union, Bassi Pathana |
|
5 |
Municipal Employees Union, Sirhind |
|
6 |
Sweeper Union, Amloh |
|
7 |
Municipal Employees Union, Amloh |
|
8 |
Baba Banda Bahadur Engineering College
Employees Association, Fatehgarh Sahib |
|
9 |
Punjab Operation Theatre Assistant
Supervisors Union, Bassi Pathana |
|
10 |
Punjab Dehati Mazdoor Congress, Mandi
Gobindgarh |
|
11 |
Sanyati Mazdoor Union, Mandi Gobindgarh |
|
12 |
Industrial Oxygen Company Karmachari Sangh,
Mandi Gobindgarh |
|
13 |
Patiala Pharmacy Workers Union, Sirhind At
Mandi Gobindgarh |
|
14 |
Steel Industries Trade Union, Mandi
Gobindgarh |
|
15 |
Iron And Steel Karmchari Sangh, Mandi
Gobindgarh |
|
16 |
Steel Industries Labour Union, Mandi
Gobindgarh |
|
17 |
Loha Factory Karmchari Sangh, Mandi
Gobindgarh |
|
18 |
Loha Mazdoor Sangh, Amloh |
|
19 |
Metal Labour Union, Mandi Gobindgarh |
|
20 |
Rashtrya Metal Mazdoor Union, Mandi
Gobindgarh |
|
21 |
District Iron And Steel Workers Union, Mandi
Gobindgarh |
|
22 |
Turner Trade Union, Sirhind |
|
23 |
Sewing Machine Workers Union, Bassi Pathana |
|
24 |
Painter Union, Mandi Gobindgarh |
|
25 |
Sirhind Painter Trade Union, Sirhind |
|
26 |
Sale Employees Association, Mandi Gobindgarh |
|
27 |
Bassi Pathana L.C.V. Transport Union, Bassi
Pathana |
|
28 |
Khachar Rehra Union, Sirhind |
|
29 |
Rehra Workers Union, Mandi Gobindgarh |
|
30 |
Labour Union, Mandi Gobindgarh |
|
31 |
Rickshaw Union, Sirhind |
|
32 |
Zila Munim Sangh, Sirhind |
|
33 |
Sanghol Dukandar Union, Khamano |
|
(Source:
Labour Commissioner, Punjab) |
|
APPENDIX II (Vide page 382)
Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes inhabiting in the
Fatehgarh Sahib District
Scheduled Castes
|
|||
|
1 |
Ad-Dharmi |
20 |
Mazbhi,
Mazbhi Sikh |
|
2 |
Bangali |
21 |
Megh |
|
3 |
Brar,Buraror
Berar |
22 |
Nat |
|
4 |
Batwal ,
Barwala |
23 |
Od |
|
5 |
Bauria or
Bawaria |
24 |
Pasi |
|
6 |
Bazigar |
25 |
Perna |
|
7 |
Balmiki,Chura
or Bhangi |
26 |
Pherera |
|
8 |
Bhanjra |
27 |
Sanhai |
|
9 |
Chamar, Jatia
Chamar, Rehgar, Raigar, Ramdasi or Ravidasi, Ramdasia, Ramdasia Sikh,
Ravidasia, Ravidasia Sikh |
28 |
Sanhal |
|
10 |
Chanal |
29 |
Sansi,
Bhedkut or Manesh |
|
11 |
Dagi |
30 |
Sepela |
|
12 |
Dhanak |
31 |
Sarera |
|
13 |
Dumna,
Mhasha or Doom |
32 |
Sikigar |
|
14 |
Gagra |
33 |
Sikiband |
|
15 |
Gandhila
or Gandil, Gandola |
34 |
Darain |
|
16 |
Kabirpanthi
or Julaha |
35 |
Dhogri,
Dhangri or Siggi |
|
17 |
Khatik |
36 |
Sansoi |
|
18 |
Kori or
Koli |
37 |
Deha,
Dhaya or Dhea |
|
19 |
Marija or
Marecha |
38 |
Mochi |
Backward
Castes
|
|||
|
1 |
Aheria,
Aheri, Heri, Naik Thori or Turi |
36 |
Faquir |
|
2 |
Barra |
37 |
Dhosali,
Dosali |
|
3 |
Beta,
Hensi or Hesi |
38 |
Gawala,
Gowala |
|
4 |
Changar |
39 |
Gaddaria |
|
5 |
Chirimar |
40 |
Jhangra
Brahman |
|
6 |
Daiya |
41 |
Hahham,
Nai/Sain |
|
7 |
Gwaria,
Gauria or Gwar |
42 |
Jogi Nath |
|
8 |
Kanjar or
Kanchan |
43 |
Khati |
|
9 |
Kurmi |
44 |
Rechhanad |
|
10 |
Nar |
45 |
Khanghera |
|
11 |
Rehar,
Rahara or Re |
46 |
Kucha
band |
|
12 |
Ghirath including
Chang and Bahti |
47 |
Thathera,
Tamera |
|
13 |
Kahar,
Jhindwar or Dhinwar |
48 |
Lakhera,
Manihar |
|
14 |
Ghasi,
Ghasiara or Ghosi |
49 |
Vanzara |
|
15 |
Bagria |
50 |
Madari |
|
16 |
Raigar |
51 |
Lohar |
|
17 |
Weaver
(Jullaha) |
52 |
Mirasi |
|
18 |
Labana |
53 |
Noongar |
|
19 |
Gorkhas |
54 |
Nalband |
|
20 |
Kumhar |
55 |
Shorgir |
|
21 |
Nais |
56 |
Pinja,
Penja |
|
22 |
Dhobies |
57 |
Soi |
|
23 |
Kamboj |
58 |
Singhikant,
Singhiwala |
|
24 |
Rai Sikhs |
59 |
Teli |
|
25 |
Barwar |
60 |
Christiana
(converted from SC Cast) |
|
26 |
Barai,
Bairagi |
61 |
Dhaula or
Soni |
|
27 |
Baragi,
Bairagi |
62 |
Gujjar |
|
28 |
Battera |
63 |
Arain |
|
29 |
Bharbhunja,
Bharbhuja |
64 |
Sayasi
Sadhu, Sanyasi Bawa |
|
30 |
Bhat,
Bhatra, Darpi, Ramiya |
65 |
Buzroos |
|
31 |
Bhuhalia
Lohar |
66 |
Mehra
Rajputs |
|
32 |
Chahang |
67 |
Soni
Rajputs |
|
33 |
Chimba,
Chhippi, Chimba, Darzi, Tonk |
68 |
Ramgarhia,
Tarkhan & Dhiman |
|
34 |
Dakaut |
69 |
Kachhi
(Shakya, Maurya and Kushwaha) |
|
35 |
Dhimar, Mallah,
Kashyap Rajputs |
|
|
|
(Source:
Director Social Security, Punjab, Chandigarh) |
|||