Title - To provide social security to coolies, a new cess may be levied on rail tickets

A new cess may be levied in the upcoming budget to help government cover 20,000 railway coolies under social security schemes. These schemes are run by the retirement fund body EPFO (Employees Provident Fund Organisation).

Labour Ministry proposed to levy cess of 10paisa per railway ticket. According to sources, this proposal might be considered as it will not escalate ticket price to something that can raise eyebrows. Besides it will help generation of funds to provide social security to coolies.

This proposal also highlights the initiative of government’s effort to bring more than 40 crore informal sector workers under social security scheme.

With an increase in 10 paisa on rail tickets, additional 4.38 crore rupees can be generated which will be sufficient to provide basic minimum facilities like pension, group insurance to coolies and PF.