Court directs medical benefits for TB workers

New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) The Delhi High Court Thursday directed Delhi Tapedik Unmulan Samiti (DTUS) to implement its circular giving the medical benefits and facilities to the entitled people working for tuberculosis (TB) patients in hospitals and the district centres.

Justice Suresh Kait also said that in case DTUS failed to comply with the court's order within four weeks, then its member secretary has to appear in person before the court to explain the reason for non-compliance on the next date of hearing, May 28.

The court's direction came on a petition filed by an association of TB workers seeking court's directions for DTUS to act in accordance with its circular dated June 5, 2011, which declared that all the employees working under DTUS will be entitled under the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme and the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Act.

The petitioner, SFTB Control Workers' Association that represents more than 600 DOTS (TB) workers engaged in tuberculosis (TB) control activities in the Delhi under DTUS. The association moved the court saying DTUS is not implementing the EPF and ESI benefits to the employees till date.

It sought court's direction for DTUS to act in accordance with its circular and consequently, forthwith grant all benefits and facilities under EPF Act and ESI Act to the members of the petitioner association with all consequences and reliefs.

DTUS, which receives funds from the government, has not done anything in the matter till date even almost 11 months have passed since the circular was issued, said advocate Sitab Ali Chaudhary, appearing for the petitioner said.

"Direct the DTUS to forthwith complete the formalities and register itself with the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) so as to enable its employees/workers and members of the petitioner association to immediately start availing medical facilities and other benefits under ESI," the association submitted through the petition.