Over Rs 29 crore sanctioned for construction workers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 13 2018: An amount of Rs 29,48,92,381 has been sanctioned for 34,201 registered construction workers under the Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Scheme, said Labour Department officials.

Speaking to media persons at a press meet organised by DIPR at their Moirangkhom complex today, Labour Inspector N Bheigyachandra said that the department has been facing many difficulties on account of shortage of staff.

Nonetheless, the department has been enforcing 25 different Acts for the welfare of workers.

As a result of sustained efforts made by Labour Department and NGOs in association with relevant departments, there is no child labour in the State, claimed Bheigyachandra.

Till January 31 this year, 1,18,332 construction workers have been registered under the Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

So far, Rs 29,48,92,381 has been sanctioned for the welfare of 34,201 workers, he said.

The Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Scheme covers education of workers' children, medical assistance, ex-gratia to families of workers killed in accidents as well as those who die natural deaths.

At present, verification of around 20,000 workers who applied for the scheme has been going on.

Workers who have been, registered for the scheme may avail pension benefit of Rs 500 to Rs 1200 per month after attaining 60 years of age.

Workers whose children are studying between Nursery to Class XII are entitled to monetary assistance of Rs 5000 per year, Rs 7500 per year if they studying degree courses and Rs 10,000 annually if they are studying Master courses.

If any worker is killed in accident, his/her family may get Rs 1 lakh to 2 lakh and if they fall ill, they may get monetary assistance of up to Rs 45,000.The Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has a fund of Rs 89,19,64,741 accumulated from deduction of 1 per cent from contract works as labour cess, Bheigyachandra informed.

Daily wages as fixed by the Labour Department are Rs 225 for unskilled labourers, Rs 248 for semi-skilled labourers and Rs 273 for skilled labourers, he added.

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