The Punjab Government has taken a landmark decision to initiate ‘Balri Janam Tohfa’ scheme for the construction workers. Under the novel scheme, a fixed deposit worth Rs. 51000 would be made in the name of the infant daughters of the construction workers at the time of their birth. The rationale behind this unique initiative is to reduce the financial burden on the construction workers at the time of the marriage of their daughters.Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman said that this historic decision was taken here today during 21st meeting of the Punjab Construction Workers Welfare Board presided over by the Labour Minister, Punjab, Chunni Lal Bhagat.The Minister said that under the scheme, a fixed deposit of Rs. 51000 as gift would be deposited by the board in the name of father/mother of the newly born girl beneficiary. This FDR would be pledged in the name of the Secretary of the board and in the preliminary stage the duration of the FDR would be till the attainment of 18 years of age by the girl and afterwards the FDR would be renewed on per year basis which would be used for the expenditure purposes at the time of marriage of construction workers’ daughter.
It has also been decided to enhance the financial assistance to the construction workers and their family members under General Surgery Scheme from Rs.20,000 to Rs.50,000 per annum. Besides amending the Pension Scheme for the construction workers, the amount has been increased from Rs.1000 per month to lump sum Rs.2000 per month for all the construction workers of 60 years of age subject to 3 year membership with the board. If the construction worker dies within the 3 years of membership with the board then his/her spouse would be given Rs.1000 per month lump sum as family pension.The other important decision taken during the meeting was the amendment in the Free Cycle Scheme. Under this scheme, a construction worker is entitled to take one free bicycle. Now with the amendment, free bicycle would be provided to the construction worker after every 5 years. The board has decided to recommend the state government to decrease the amount of contribution payable by the construction worker as membership fee from Rs.10 to Rs.1 per month.Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included; Mr. Roshan Sunkaria, Principal Secretary, Labour, Mr. Tejinder Singh Dhaliwal, Labour Commissioner-cum-Secretary and Members of Punjab State Construction Workers Welfare Board.