Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday announced several welfare packages for construction workers including scholarship to workers' children studying in high school.The government has decided to provide Rs.2,000 per annum scholarship for Class VIII students, while Class IX and Class X students will get Rs.3,000, Rs.4,000 p.a. respectively, the chief minister told the assembly. "One time cash award of Rs.10,000 will be given to meritorious Class X students of construction worker families who pass with more than 90 percent marks. Girl students of construction worker families studying in Class VI and VII will be given cash incentive of Rs.2,000 per year," he added.
He said cash incentive to pregnant and nursing mothers of construction worker families will be enhanced from Rs.8,000 to Rs.10,000 over and above the assistance given under Mamata Yojana. Besides, pension at par with Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) will be given to registered construction workers of 60 years and above, said the chief minister. He said the scale of assistance under Nirman Shramik Pucca Ghar Yojana will be enhanced by Rs. 20,000 over and above MGNREGS and Swachha Bharat Abhiyan incentive thereby enhancing the cost of construction of each house to Rs. 1.50 lakhs.
Medical assistance up to Rs.3 lakhs for treatment of nervous disorders, cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, cancer and orthopaedic disorders will now be given to construction workers who are registered for at least 1 year with the Board, said the chief minister. Moreover, a provision of funds for Rs.5 crore has been made for implementation of programmes under Unorganized Workers Social Security Act. "My government is committed for all-round welfare of the construction workers as well as workers in the unorganised sectors and will continue to do so," said the chief minister.