Page 225 - DCOM207_LABOUR_LAWS

Labour Laws

Notes 9. The Act applies, in the first instance, to, non-seasonal factories employing 10 or more
persons.

13.4 Benefits of this Act

All the benefits under the scheme are paid in cash except medical benefit, which is given in kind.
The benefits are:

13.4.1 Sickness and Extended Sickness Benefit

For sickness during any period, an insured person is entitled to receive sickness cash benefits
at the standard benefit rate for a period of 91 days in any two consecutive benefit periods. The
eligibility condition for sickness benefit is that the contribution of an insured person should have
been paid/or payable for not less than half the number of days of the corresponding contribution
period. An insured person suffering from, any special, long-term ailment - for example,
tuberculosis, leprosy, mental disease - is eligible for extended sickness benefit at a rate which is
40 % higher than the standard, benefit rate, rounded to the next higher multiple of 5 paise, for a
period of 124/309 days.

Notes The Director General may enhance the duration of extended sickness benefit
beyond the existing limit of 400 days to a maximum, period of 2 years in deserving cases
duly certified by a medical board. The facility of extension would be available up to the
date on which the insured person attains the age of 60 years. The rate of this benefit is 40
per cent more than the standard benefit rates for 7 days for vasectomy and 14 days for
tubectomy. This is paid in addition to the usual sickness benefits.

13.4.2 Maternity Benefit

An insured woman is entitled to maternity benefit at double the standard benefit rate. This is
practically equal to full wages for a period of 12 weeks, of which not more than 6 weeks shall
precede the expected date of confinement. Additional maternity benefit is given in case of
miscarriage. In case of sickness arising out of pregnancy, confinement, premature birth `of a
child or miscarriage, an additional benefit is given for a period not exceeding one month. The
eligibility condition for maternity benefit is 80 days in one or two preceding contribution periods
of one year.

13.4.3 Disablement Benefit

If a member suffers an injury in the course of his employment, he will receive free medical
treatment and temporary disablement benefit in cash, which is about 70 per cent of the wages, as
long as the temporary disablement lasts, provided that the temporary disablement has lasted for
not less than 3 days, excluding the day of the accident. In case of permanent total disablement,
the insured person will be given a life pension at full rate i.e., about 70 per cent of his wages,
while in case of partial permanent disablement, a portion of it will be granted as life pension. The
benefit is paid for-Sundays as well. At the option of the beneficiary, the permanent disablement
pension may be commuted to a lump sum payment, if the rate of benefit is less than one rupee
and fifty paise per day.

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