GJEPC unveils 'Parichay Card' in West Bengal
The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) unveiled the Parichay Card in West Bengal on January 11. The Parichay Card will be officially launched at the national level by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry towards the end of this month. It will not only give the workers a valid proof of their employment or identity, but also make them eligible for various initiatives. Along with the card, GJEPChas also created 'Swasthya Kosh' – a special fund to offer health insurance to Parichay card holders and their family.
GJEPC is already in final stages of talks with the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) for national classification of gem and jewellery sector workers/ craftsmen under LMIS (Labour Management Information Systems). This segment-wise classification of workers, craftsmen and artisans will provide additional benefits under relevant MoSDE schemes.
The national launch of Parichay Card will benefit the entire industry, and will ensure proper authentication for social security purposes. The objective of this project is to create a verified and well-crafted database for the workers to provide them better job opportunities, help to find financial support from banks and financial institutions and provide better healthcare services through specially designed smart card.
Back in 2015, GJEPC had initiated a Group Mediclaim Scheme, to provide health insurance benefit to the entire work force of the gems and jewellery industry and their family members, the scheme named 'Swasthya Ratna'. Under the scheme, all GJEPC member companies can enroll employees and their families.
Pramod Kumar Agrawal, Chairman, The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said, "The $40 billion gem and jewellery industry, is heavily dependent on the karigars, artisans and the craftsmen of India. Today India has become global pioneer in the business of diamond processing, only because of this extremely talented and skilled workforce. As a token of appreciation and with the intention to give back to these precious jewels of the industry, the council has come forward for the betterment of these workforces." Agrawal also added, "The Swasthya Ratna Scheme received a phenomenal response and several GJEPC member companies have taken this policy for their workers and office staff. Currently it is in its third year of operations and till date it has covered more than four lakh lives." Prakash Chandra Pincha, Regional Chairman, GJEPC, also acknowledged the phenomenal amount of contribution the workforce delivers year after year to the gems and jewellery industry.
The Council plans to integrate the benefits of the Swasthya Ratna policy to the Parichay Card holders. All Parichay Card holders will be given a choice to opt for a health insurance policy, assured of INR. 1,00,000 for themselves and their family (Spouse and 2 Children) by paying just 25% cost for the premium. The remaining 75% of the premium will be paid through a specially created, fund called 'Swasthya Kosh'. GJEPC has tied up with GJNRF (The Gem and Jewellery National Relief Foundation), whereby anyone can donate into the fund and the proceeds go towards paying the premiums of the policy. The scheme will also offer an 80G tax benefit to the all the institutions for donators.
