The State has launched a free health care-cum-insurance scheme for migrant workers. The scheme, titled AAWAZ, was formally launched here in the presence of hundreds of migrant workers. Health and Social Justice Minister K.K. Shylaja presented the first AAWAZ insurance card to a migrant worker, marking the launch of the health insurance scheme.
Also present on the occasion were Cooperation Minister Kadakampally Surendran, Industries Minister A.C. Moideen, Minister for Local Self-Governments K.T. Jaleel, and Labour Minister T.P. Ramakrishnan. Crèches
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The Social Justice Minister announced that the government proposed to start crèches for children of migrant workers at their places of residence. This would be taken up as a pilot project in Ernakulam and extended to other States. She appealed to those present at the function to spread word about the government’s welfare schemes targeted at them among their compatriots. The Labour Minister said the government would stand by them through thick and thin.
Under the AAWAZ scheme, any migrant worker employed in Kerala, between the ages of 18 and 60, would be eligible for free medical treatment worth up to ₹15,000 and insurance coverage of ₹2,00,000 for accident death. Medical treatment will be available from all government hospitals and also private hospitals empanelled with the scheme. The benefits are expected to be made available by January 1, 2018.