Kerala Handloom Workers' Welfare Fund Board

The Kerala Handloom Workers' Welfare Fund Board is a statutory entity created under the Kerala Handloom Workers' Welfare Fund Act of 1989. [http://keralalawsect.org/acts/Act1989/Act2_1989/Act.html] The head office of the Board is situated near the Talikavu temple at Kannur (Cannanore).

The board has four offices:
#Kannur Office, having jurisdiction over Kasargod, Kannur, and Wayanad Districts
#Kozhikode Office, having jurisdiction over Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palghat Districts
#Ernakulam Office, having jurisdiction over Trichur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki and Alappuzha districts
#Thiruvananthapuram office, having jurisdiction over Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanimthitta districts

The board provides social security benefits to handloom workers.

The workers have to contribute a small amount - three Indian Rupees per month, while their employer (if employed) contributes six Rupees per month. The State government contributes Rs. The funds, along with the Cess levied from handloom dealers, constitutes the common fund of the board, which used to distribute various benefits to the workers.

The important benefits currently given are:
*Education assistance to children of members, for education in High and Secontary (Plus two) Schools, Graduation and Post graduation in recognised institutions.
*Marriage benefits to children of members and female members.
*Maternity benefits to female members.
*Ex-gratia benefits to workers who are unable to continue employment on health grounds.
*Pension to workers who have been members for at least 3 years and discontinue employment on attainment of 60 years age.

The Board is governed by the board of directors which is appointed by the Government of Kerala. The employees / staff of the board constitute both direct employees of the board and employees on deputation from the State Government.

References