Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said here today that the present state government has disbursed Rs. 32.32 crores through the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (HPBOCW) during its tenure. He stated, “The government has extended these financial benefits to 8,883 eligible registered beneficiaries under the board ensuring their welfare through various schemes.”
Sh. Sukhu said that a total of Rs. 10.59 crore has been provided to 3,514 eligible workers for educational assistance for their children. Additionally, Rs. 12.97 crore has been disbursed to 2,543 workers as marriage assistance whereas under the maternity and paternity benefits scheme Rs. 1.71 crore has been given to 537 workers. He further mentioned that medical assistance amounting to Rs. 35.85 lakh has been extended to 248 eligible workers and Rs. 85.13 lakh has been provided under the monthly pension scheme of Rs. 1,000. These schemes along with others have brought the total financial aid to Rs. 32.32 crore. Moreover, Rs. 51,000 is given by the board as financial assistance on the birth of first two daughters to workers, he added.
The Chief Minister emphasized that any individual, male or female, who has worked for up to 90 days in a year in private construction work, under MGNREGA, or in construction projects undertaken by the government or panchayats was eligible for registration with the welfare board. Once registered, eligible workers can avail benefits from a range of schemes. He added that upto August this year 10,182 new workers have been registered in the state. “The government is committed to addressing the concerns of the workers ensuring that they receive the maximum benefits from these schemes. Currently, 13 welfare schemes were being implemented for the upliftment of workers through HPBOCW, with direct cash transfers to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. In addition, the Board organizes health check-ups and awareness camps to educate workers about various schemes,” he stated.
Sh. Sukhu also said that worker registration and the implementation of schemes are managed through labour welfare offices in each district which facilitates registration of eligible workers with the board.
