Odisha Govt Strengthens Welfare Measures for Construction Workers

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s construction workers, known for their exceptional craftsmanship, were recognized for their contributions at the Khordha District Nirman Shramik Kalyan Samaroh, held at Jayadev Bhawan. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Bhubaneswar Ekamra MLA Babu Singh lauded their skills, calling them the “Viswakarmas of the modern era.”

Singh emphasized that the government is committed to the welfare of labourers and their families, highlighting the Construction Workers Welfare Scheme, which offers education assistance, marriage assistance, maternity benefits, accidental disability support, and funeral aid to registered workers. Encouraging women’s participation in economic activities, he also spoke about the Subhadra Scheme, designed to empower women financially. Singh urged Labour Department officials to actively spread awareness about these schemes and assist workers in availing their benefits.

State Labour Commissioner Indramani Tripathi, who attended as the guest of honour, elaborated on the government’s efforts to enhance worker support. He informed the audience about the toll-free helpline (1800-3456703), which provides round-the-clock assistance to labourers. He also encouraged construction workers to register on the www.nirmanshramik.odisha.gov.in portal to access government benefits. Tripathi announced that workers aged 18-60 years are eligible for ₹6 lakh in case of accidental death and ₹3 lakh in case of natural death. He further highlighted the Shramik Sachetanata Rath, a month-long awareness campaign in Khordha district, aimed at educating workers about various welfare schemes.

The event also saw the distribution of benefits to 985 labourers in Khordha district, amounting to ₹4.52 crore. Across Odisha, ₹80 crore has already been disbursed under various schemes. As part of the program, identity cards were distributed to 215 workers, education assistance ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹48,000 was granted to 504 beneficiaries, marriage assistance of ₹50,000 was provided to 88 people, and maternity aid of ₹10,000 each was given to 48 women. Additionally, 161 families received funeral and death assistance, bringing the total disbursement under the Odisha Kothawadi and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board to ₹4.19 crore. Under the Odisha Unorganized Workers Social Security Board, new identity cards were issued to 133 workers, and ₹33 lakh was distributed as death assistance.

Divisional Labour Commissioner Ajay Kumar Pradhan, Joint Labour Commissioner Pranab Kumar Patra, Additional Labour Commissioner Ghasiram Tudu, and Bhubaneswar Sub-Collector Manoranjan Sahu also addressed the gathering, highlighting the state’s commitment to labour welfare.