Kerala’s New Initiative: Free Medical Treatment and Accidental Disability Insurance for Migrant Workers

On October 16^th, 2024, the Government of Kerala launched an important scheme aimed at providing essential support to Inter-State Migrant Workers in the state. The Free Medical Treatment and Accidental Disability Insurance scheme is a significant step towards enhancing the welfare of this vital segment of the workforce.

Overview of the Scheme

The scheme is administered by the Labour and Skills Department of Kerala and is specifically designed for Inter-State Migrant Workers aged between 18 and 60 years. Recognizing the challenges faced by these workers, this initiative offers both free medical treatment and accidental disability insurance, ensuring that they have access to necessary healthcare services and financial protection in case of accidents.

The Role of Aadhaar

A crucial component of this scheme is the integration of Aadhaar as an identity verification method. The use of Aadhaar not only simplifies the delivery of services but also enhances transparency and efficiency. Here’s how it works:

1. Aadhaar Requirement: Beneficiaries must provide proof of their Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication to access benefits under the scheme.
2. Enrollment for Aadhaar: For individuals who do not yet possess an Aadhaar number, the scheme mandates that they apply for enrollment. They can visit designated Aadhaar enrollment centers, which can be found on the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) website.
3. Alternative Identification: If a beneficiary is awaiting their Aadhaar number, they can present an Aadhaar Enrolment Identification slip along with any one of several accepted identity documents, such as:
   • PAN Card
   • Passport
   • Voter ID
   • Ration Card
   • Driving License
   • MGNREGA Card

Ensuring Accessibility

The Government is committed to ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries can easily access the benefits of this scheme. To achieve this, the Labour and Skills Department will take the following steps:

• Public Awareness Campaign: There will be extensive media outreach to inform beneficiaries about the requirements and benefits of the scheme.
• Aadhaar Enrollment Facilities: The department will facilitate Aadhaar enrollment for workers who are not yet registered. If there are no local enrollment centers, the department will collaborate with UIDAI to establish convenient enrollment locations.

Addressing Authentication Challenges

To ensure that no beneficiary is denied access due to authentication failures, the scheme outlines several alternatives:

1. Alternative Authentication Methods: If biometric authentication through fingerprints fails, beneficiaries can use iris scans or facial recognition.
2. One-Time Password (OTP) Options: In instances where biometric methods are unsuccessful, authentication can be conducted using Aadhaar One-Time Passwords.
3. Physical Aadhaar Letters: If all electronic authentication methods fail, benefits can still be accessed by presenting the physical Aadhaar letter, which includes a Quick Response (QR) code for verification.

Safeguarding Beneficiary Rights

To prevent genuine beneficiaries from being deprived of their entitlements, the scheme incorporates an exception handling mechanism as outlined in the Office Memorandum of the DBT Mission, ensuring that necessary support is always available to those in need.

Effective date : October 16^th , 2024