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* Health Insurance for Industrial Workers
Standing Labour Committee Discuss Adarkar Report
Prof. Adarkar’s Report on Health Insurance for Industrial Workers in India was discussed at the sixth meeting of the Standing Labour Committee which concluded in New Delhi on March 17. The Hon’ble Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Labour Member, Government of India, presided. Mr. Stack and Mr. Rao of the I.L.O. also attended the meeting as visitors, and some comments made by them on the scheme were circulated.
The delegates, including those representing employers and workers, warmly appreciated Prof. Adarkar’s Report and expressed their respective views on questions relating to medical and cash benefits, the qualifying or waiting periods, the type of treatment, medical organisation and State contribution. A number of delegates emphasised the importance of going ahead with the scheme as early as possible, and there was general agreement that in order to secure the benefits resulting from broadening the basis of the scheme it was advisable to extend its scope to all organised industries and perennial factories.
Maternity Benefits
It was also agreed that the Centre should go ahead with the preparation of a scheme, and, if they found it possible to do so, they should include in this scheme maternity benefits and workmen’s compensation. After the scheme was prepared, the Centre should consult provinces and the Employers’ and Workers’ Organisations and, after consideration of their replies, should introduce a Bill in the Legislative Assembly.
Another item on the agenda for the meeting was a proposal to change the constitution and functions of the Tripartite Labour Conference and
- Indian Information, April 15, 1945, p. 505.