Step 2.8 Assistance to meet the Funeral Expenses and ex gratia
What is Assistance to meet the Funeral Expenses and ex gratia scheme?
If a registered construction worker dies, the Secretary, or any other officer authorized on this behalf by the Board, shall pay a sum of [Rs. 4,000(Rupees four thousand only)] to the nominee of the deceased registered construction worker to meet the funeral expenses of the deceased registered construction worker [and an ex gratia amount of [Rs. 71,000 (Rupees fifty thousand only)] shall also be paid to the nominee of the deceased registered construction worker to mitigate the financial hardship caused by the sudden demise.
What are the eligibility criteria to avail funeral expenses and the ex-gratia scheme?
- Workers are required to register with the board.
- Nominees eligible for the scheme must be specified during registration.
- In the case of a legal heir, the Aadhaar number must be provided.
Where to Apply for the funeral expenses and ex-gratia scheme?
What type of documents are required for the application?
- Original ID card
- Application in Form XVIII
- Photocopy of bank passbook Beneficiary or Nominee in case of beneficiary’s death
- Death Certificate attested by gazetted officer
- Ration Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Employer Certificate
- Any Photo ID proof of Nominee
- Application shall be submitted within one year of death
- subscription certificate by SLI/LI
Key aspects related to funeral expenses and ex-gratia schemes.
|
Benefits |
Amount (Rs.) |
Frequency |
Applies to |
Contribution by worker (Rs.) |
Time specified (days) |
Time taken (days) |
Fee specified (Rs.) |
Money spent (Rs.) |
Timeline for submission |
| Funeral expenses and Ex-gratia |
4,000 for funeral
71,000 to mitigate the financial hardship caused by the sudden demise |
Monthly | Nominee | Within one year of death |
What is the Procedure for applying for funeral expenses and ex-gratia?
Applicant needs to submit the application.Application processing and Verification by Senior/ Labour Inspector.Review and Approval by the Assistant Labour Commissioner
Why do construction workers often encounter difficulties in receiving funeral expenses and ex-gratia?
Eligibility conditions-
- Labour has to be registered as a construction worker
On-ground implementation issue:
- A death certificate is a requirement, but if a worker passes away at home, obtaining the certificate can be delayed
- The deceased's name needs to be the same on both the death certificate and the labor card. Additionally, it is quite challenging to apply if the spelling changes.
- Because the application process and the necessary documentation are so difficult, it is highly challenging for the beneficiary to receive benefits under this plan
- If the nominee is a minor son, he might not possess an Aadhaar card, and even if he does, the funds will be granted upon reaching the age of 18
- According to protocol, labor inspectors are mandated to physically visit the residence of the deceased to approve claims. Despite this, a significant portion of applications is often denied or rejected without an official visit.
- An employment certificate is required when submitting a death claim, however, obtaining the certificate for the deceased is exceedingly challenging
Policy design issue
- If Aadhar is not seeded, they will not receive assistance because it would be sent to their account via DBT (Direct Bank Transfer).
- Every welfare program requires a ration card, and in most situations, the beneficiary will already have one from another state in which case we are unable to submit an application
Lack of awareness and trust among workers
- The cardholder's lack of knowledge of social security programs
Annexure:
Link to apply for funeral expenses and ex- gratia
What is the Procedure for applying for funeral expenses and ex-gratia?
- Applicant needs to submit the application.
- Application processing and Verification by Senior/ Labour Inspector.
- Review and Approval by the Assistant Labour Commissioner