The Government of Kerala has notified significant amendments to the Kerala Motor Transport Workers’ Welfare Fund Scheme, 1985, enhancing welfare benefits and restructuring eligibility norms. The changes were made under the powers granted by Section 5(1) of the Kerala Motor Transport Workers’ Welfare Fund Act, 1985, and will be deemed to have come into force from October 29, 2019.The Scheme is called the Kerala Motor Transport Workers’ Welfare Fund (Amendment) Scheme, 2025.
🔍 Key Highlights of the Amendment Scheme 2025:
🧓 Age & Membership Criteria
- Membership age limit: Workers can remain members up to age 60; self-employed members can continue up to age 65 with annual medical fitness.
- This extended period counts towards pension eligibility.
💰 Revised Contribution Tables
- New Tables I–IV redefine the minimum employees per transport category and welfare fund contributions.
- Example: Stage Carriage (Heavy) requires 3 employees and ₹1,260 contribution; autorickshaws – 1 employee and ₹60.
🧾 Contribution Flexibility
- Members can:
- Pay arrears up to 12 months post-retirement with 9% interest.
- Self-contribute for up to 12 months without employer contribution (benefits apply only if employer also contributes).
- Advance pay contributions up to 12 months.
🚌 Vehicle & Employee Registration
- Employers must register their employees in the Fund before vehicle registration is allowed.
💸 Updated Pension Structure
- Minimum monthly pensions by vehicle category:
- Table I: ₹5,000
- Table II: ₹3,500
- Table III: ₹2,500
- Table IV: ₹2,000
- Additional ₹150–₹50 per year for each year above 8 years of service.
- Family pension: 50% of pension to the spouse for 10 years.
⚰️ Death & Funeral Benefits
- Accidental death compensation raised from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000.
- Funeral assistance of ₹10,000 introduced (claim within 30 days of death).
🏥 Medical & Health Support
- New benefit: ₹5,000 or 50% of hospital charges (whichever is less) for 3+ days of hospitalization.
- Expanded coverage for 20+ diseases, including cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurological, diabetes complications, surgeries, and more.
🎓 Educational Assistance
- Expanded scholarship coverage to include:
- D.Pharm, DMLT, BLI.Sc, B.Pharm, BPT, Paramedical, Architecture, Pharmacy, and integrated PG courses.
- Special rewards for children excelling in academics, sports, and arts at the State/National level.
👰 Marriage Assistance
- Financial aid for marriage increased from ₹20,000 to ₹40,000.
- Now covers member’s own marriage and up to two children, not just daughters.
This comprehensive overhaul of the welfare fund aims to address the evolving socio-economic needs of motor transport workers and their families, ensuring broader support, improved pension security, and inclusive healthcare and education benefits.