Workers registering with the NBOCWWB during the inaugural programme for an awareness campaign and field registration of building and other construction workers in Kohima Village on December 13. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, December 13 (MExN): The inaugural programme for an awareness campaign and field registration of building and other construction workers in the census town of Kohima Village and its urban suburbs was held at the Kohima Village Council Hall, Kohima village on December 13.
It was organised by the Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board (NBOCWWB).
According to a report from the state DIPR, Chairperson of Kohima Village Council Helievio Solo delivered the welcome address and said that it was a privilege for Kohima village to enjoy the benefits of the scheme. Stating that this programme is for the poor and underprivileged, he appealed to the villagers to register under the scheme as this would be beneficial in the long run.
Highlighting the activities of the Board, Chairperson Dr Kekhrie Yhome said that they have gone to different parts of the State for registering workers. In the process, we have encountered instances where many people shown their enthusiasm by coming early and waiting to get their names registered, he said, citing Seyochung as an example.
However, he lamented that nearer home, there is a lack of awareness and interest, and as such, appealed to the people to come forward for registration.
While thanking the Village Council for creating awareness about the programme, Dr Yhome also explained about the CMHIS, launched in October 2022 in Nagaland. He said that the scheme is not just for government employees but the benefits can be availed by the general public as well. He informed that a registered worker is also eligible for benefits provided under Ayushman Bharat scheme, where one can avail Rs 5 lakh per family per year for medical treatment, and highlighted the importance of naming an adult family member as a nominee instead of a child to avoid difficulties in claiming the benefits.
He said that the Welfare Board has been in existence for almost 10 years, and expressed hope that more awareness and information will be disseminated so that the percentage of registration of workers increase in the days to come, the DIPR report stated.
The programme was chaired by Zaremo Kikon, ALC, Kohima. The invocation was pronounced by Dr Ruokuovilie Sachü, Pastor, Khedi Baptist Kehou, and a vote of thanks was delivered by Kahie Kesiezie, President, NDPP, 10 - Northern Angami - 1 AC.
According to the DIPR, the NBOCWWB provides benefits and schemes such as Tool grant, insurance coverage, medical assistance, education scholarship, and maternity benefits. To avail of the scheme, one has to be a worker engaged in building and other construction works (Mason, Plumber, Carpenter, Electrician, Painter, Driver, Operator, and Helper of construction machinery, etc.) and the worker has to be above the age of 18 years and below 60 years.
On verification and approval of membership by the competent authority, a beneficiary is registered and issued Identity Card and Unique Registration Number. Welfare benefits involving money are all direct beneficiary transfers and there are no cash hand-outs. One can download or collect Application Form XXVII and submit it to the designated district-level ALC Office or NBOCWWB Office or its Field Administrative Officer(s), it informed.
