New Delhi, April 29 (IANS) India has some 6.4 million beedi workers, with 4.5 million of them being women, parliament was informed Monday.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment Badri Ram Jakhar put the total number of workers at 64,26,029. Of this, men accounted for 18,85,379 and women 45,40,650.
West Bengal accounted for most beedi workers (1.9 million) among 16 states followed by Madhya Pradesh (1.5 million) and Tamil Nadu (700,000).
According to the minister, healthcare was provided to beedi workers and their dependents through seven hospitals and 204 dispensaries all over the country.
Another hospital was under construction and 40 more dispensaries had been sanctioned, he said in the Lok Sabha.
Beedi workers were provided medical help for ophthalmic problems, tuberculosis, heart disease, kidney transplantation, cancer, minor surgery, mental diseases and leprosy besides maternity benefits.