Rs 4.25 cr spent on welfare of workers in Kangra dist: Labour board chief
Chairman of the Labour Welfare Board, Nardev Kanwar, announced that Rs 4.25 crore has been spent in the last year for the welfare of workers in Kangra district. Addressing meetings in Dharamsala, Dheera and Jamanabaad, Kanwar emphasised the board’s commitment to improving the lives of MNREGA and construction workers, in line with Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu’s vision for uplifting the poorest communities.
During an interaction with MNREGA women workers in Dharamsala, Kanwar highlighted that Rs 60 lakh had been distributed to beneficiaries under various welfare schemes. Speaking at an awareness programme in Kotwali, Dharamsala, he said the board operates 13 different schemes aimed at supporting workers.
At a meeting in Dheera on February 23, Kanwar stated that 60,000 registered workers in Kangra are benefiting from these schemes. He detailed financial assistance, including Rs 51,000 for the marriage of two children, maternity and paternity benefits, and medical aid ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh for dependents. Additionally, financial support for workers’ children spans from primary education to PhD, with amounts ranging from Rs 8,400 to Rs 1.2 lakh. A pension of Rs 1,000 per month is provided upon reaching 60 years of age, along with a Rs 500 monthly pension for disabled workers.
Speaking at Jamanabaad in Kangra, Kanwar urged MNREGA workers to register with the Board to access benefits. He outlined schemes such as Rs 2-4 lakh death assistance for dependents, the Beti Janam Uphaar Yojana offering Rs 10 lakh, Rs 51,000 for the birth of two daughters and Rs 20,000 annually for handicapped children’s care.
Kanwar directed the Labour Welfare Board officials to increase awareness at the village level to ensure more eligible workers benefit from these schemes. Any individual aged 18 to 60 years who has completed 90 days of construction work in the past year qualifies for these benefits.
