Pension Scheme for the Tappers in Small Rubber Plantations

The scheme “Pension Scheme for the Tappers in Small Rubber Plantations” was launched by the Rubber Board, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India to motivate tappers and retain them in the tapping job. The Rubber Board proposes to extend support to tappers through convergence with the pension scheme being implemented through the Kerala Small Plantations Workers Welfare Fund Scheme. The Board offers financial support to the tune of 50% of the yearly contribution for a maximum period of 5 years to tappers who enroll for the pension scheme. The scheme ensures a regular pension after the age of 60 years. This scheme is implemented as per Kerala Small Plantation Worker Fund Act 2008 and the modification if any, made in the act is applicable to the members who enroll under the scheme.

1. The enrolled member who remits their annual contribution continuously up to the age of 60 years will get a pension of ₹1300/- per month.
2. The members are also eligible for other benefits like family pension, financial assistance for permanent disability, Maternity Benefits, Medical Assistance, etc., and also other benefits as decided by the Government from time to time.
3. The scheme ensures a regular pension after the age of 60 years.

1. A tapper aged between 18 to 55 years and having an experience of 90 days in the preceding 12 months.
2. Engaged in tapping jobs throughout the year in small rubber plantations for wages or engaged in self-tapping in own small rubber plantation up to 1 ha.
3. The tappers should be certified under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) of PMKVY of the Government of India or any training conducted by the Rubber Board for skill up-gradation (TSS, TISP).
4. Tappers enrolled in the tapper bank under Rubber Producers Societies (RPS) are also eligible for enrolment.

Note: A tapper who is a member of any pension scheme implemented by the Central/State Government or tapping in rubber plantation measuring an area above 5 ha. are not eligible under this scheme.

Mode of Contribution:

The annual contribution of each tapper under the scheme is ₹480/-. Rubber Board will contribute, 50 % of the annual contribution for an initial period of 5 years for all the members who regularly remit their contribution every year on time. Accordingly, each tapper has to contribute ₹240/- annually to the scheme for 5 years. After 5 years the tapper has to remit the full contribution till attaining the age of 60 years.

Offline

Step 01: A tapper has to submit a duly filled application form countersigned by the employer/RPS President/Field Officer, along with all the relevant documents.
Step 02: The application forms will be supplied to the Regional Offices of the Labour Welfare Division.
Step 03: Hard copies of original application forms along with documents received should be forwarded to Labour Welfare Division, Kottayam with a forwarding letter showing the details of applicants such as Name, Address, Age, Category, and UTR No.
Note 01: The scheme will be operated through the Regional Offices of the Board.
Note 02: The Dy. RPC/DO in Charge of all regional offices may take steps to give wide publicity about the scheme among the tappers who have undergone our training and to enroll, the maximum number of tappers to the scheme.
Note 03: The assistance of the RPSs may also be explored. The members of the tappers hank may be given priority.