The Hindu : New Delhi News : ‘Construction workers to get social security’

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Saturday, Nov 24, 2007
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New Delhi

‘Construction workers to get social security’

Staff Reporter

A Rs.110-crore fund created for the welfare of workers, says Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit

Workers being enrolled as members of the Delhi Building welfare board
To get maternity benefits, medical assistance, scholarships, pensions

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday said the Delhi Government was committed to providing comprehensive social security to construction labourers working in the city.

Inaugurating the first ever camp organised for construction workers associated with the 2010 Commonwealth Games projects at Thyagaraja Stadium, Ms. Dikshit said her government had created a Rs.110-crore fund for the welfare of workers. Camps similar to this one would be organised at all project sites relating to the Commonwealth Games, she added.

Insurance benefits

Stating that construction workers were being enrolled as members of the Delhi Building and Other Construction Welfare Board, the Chief Minister said this would enable them to avail themselves of the benefits of the Public Distribution System and Janshree Bima Yojana, which provides for compensation of Rs.30,000 to 75,000 on death and Rs.37,500 in case of permanent disability.

Also, these labourers would be able to get maternity benefits, medical assistance, scholarship for school children, financial assistance amounting to Rs.2,000 at the time of marriage of their dependents, pension on attaining age of 60 years, disability pension and family pension.

Important initiative

Union Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes described the camp as an important initiative.

He also lauded the launch of the Workers’ Health Scheme in Delhi that has become the first State to implement it.

Mr. Fernandes said the unorganised workers in Delhi would also be brought under the ambit of the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme and would also be entitled to bonus.

He expressed confidence that on completion of construction related to the Commonwealth Games, Delhi would become more attractive.

Delhi Labour Minister Mangat Ram Singhal said his department had made elaborate arrangement for imparting education to the children of workers and said the Delhi Workers’ Welfare Fund had been playing a critical role in improving the lives of the workers.

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