Bankura: In an apparent attempt to woo voters ahead of the panchayat polls, West Bengal government has announced a slew of measures for unorganised bidi workers.

On the request of minister of state for labour Anadi Sahu, School Education Minister Partha De at a programme here announced provident fund benefits for bidi workers.

Elaborating on the scheme, he said a bidi worker would have to pay rupees 20 per month and the state government would make a matching contribution. On attaining the age of 55 years, the worker would be entitled to Rs 1.01 lakh, he said.

De was here in his home constituency to attend a welfare programme for workers of the unorganised sector.

He also gave away a grant of Rs 5000 to 142 bidi workers present among the audience.

The minister also announced a maternity benefit of Rs 2000 for female bidi workers and Rs 35,000 as a home-building grant.
Source : PTI