Una, March 4:
Naresh Kumar lives in a small house in Basal area of Una district. A painter by profession, he supports a family of six on a modest monthly income of ₹10,000–12,000. Managing household expenses was already challenging, and funding his children’s education had become a serious concern.
His daughter Pooja aspired to pursue an MA, while his son wanted to enrol in an ITI course. Though both were determined to continue their studies, they often suppressed their ambitions after seeing the family’s financial struggles. Pooja admits she feared becoming a burden on her father despite her strong desire to study further.
Relief came when the family received financial assistance from the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. The board granted ₹1.08 lakh to cover educational fees and related expenses.
Naresh, a registered labourer with the board, said he learned about the education assistance scheme during his registration. The financial aid significantly eased the burden and ensured his children could continue their studies without interruption.
Today, the atmosphere at home has changed. Pooja is pursuing an MA in Economics at a degree college in Una and dreams of becoming a professor. Her brother is studying ITI in Gagret and preparing to become self-reliant. Naresh, who lives with his mother, wife, and three children, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, saying the scheme has secured his children’s future.
This is not just Naresh’s story. For hundreds of labour families in Una district, the Welfare Board has become a strong pillar of support.
Extensive Benefits Reaching Workers: Kanwar
Board Chairman Nardev Singh Kanwar stated that thousands of registered construction workers across the state are benefiting from various welfare schemes. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, the state government is effectively implementing social security and financial assistance programmes, prioritising workers’ welfare.
He highlighted that the board provides financial aid under multiple schemes, including education assistance, maternity benefits, marriage assistance, medical support, and pensions, helping workers lead secure lives with their families.
No Eligible Worker to Be Left Out: Deputy Commissioner
Deputy Commissioner Una Jatin Lal said the district administration is ensuring proper coordination and awareness so that eligible construction workers receive the benefits of welfare schemes. He reiterated that, as per the Chief Minister’s directives, no deserving worker should be deprived of government support.
Social Security Schemes for Workers
District Labour Welfare Officer Aman Sharma said beneficiaries are receiving assistance through a transparent and simplified process.
The board offers:
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₹51,000 assistance for a worker’s marriage and for the marriage of up to two children
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Maternity and paternity benefits
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Medical assistance ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh
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Educational assistance from ₹8,400 to ₹1.20 lakh (from Class I to PhD level)
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₹1,000 monthly pension after attaining 60 years of age
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₹2–4 lakh financial aid to dependents in case of a member’s death
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₹20,000 for last rites
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₹51,000 under the daughter birth gift scheme
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Widow pension, hostel facilities, and housing assistance under the Chief Minister’s Housing Scheme
Through these comprehensive welfare initiatives, the board continues to strengthen social security for construction workers and their families across Himachal Pradesh.
