Chairman NBOCWWB, Dr Kekhrie Yhome, CEO T Chubayanger and BRTF officials seen here during the field registration of migrant workers on July 8 at Sechü-Zubza.
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 8
Recognising that building and other construction workers are one of the most vulnerable segments of the unorganised labour force in India wherein Nagaland is also no exception, the Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (NBOCWWB) is implementing different welfare schemes with the sole purpose of providing social security to this section of workers and their families.
The NBOCWWB also recognises that the employment of these workers is temporary in nature with uncertain working hours besides constant risk to their life and limb at workplace. The total registration for these welfare schemes has crossed 38,000 in the state. However, with the system of renewal on an annual basis, even if they are registered, their names become passive and only those who renew will be shown as active. Currently, active registration stands at 18,000.
Speaking on the sidelines of the field registration of migrant workers at 89 BRTF, Sechü-Zubza today, T Chubayanger, CEO, NBOCWWB said, “we are also emphasizing on the local workforce.” Pointing out that there are local workers, but are mostly seasonal, he added that, “we are pushing them to become fulltime workers.”
He cited districts like Mon, Longleng and Mokokchung where locals are especially taking up construction work and stated happiness in this regard. “Basically, it is to give them social security if something happens to them, or something for them to lean on since daily wagers do not have any extra. We are trying to lighten their burden so they can be secure”, he further highlighted about the welfare schemes.
Members can renew their subscriptions with a minimum fee of Rs 300. Informing that it has been made online from this year, T Chubayanger said there has been a lot of positive response and that online renewal would ease up a lot of work. “Workers don’t have to come to office but can renew from their work location itself”, he said.
He further informed that “we are working on the pension which will kick off very soon” while explaining that it may not be a monthly pension but a one-time pension for those who complete 60 years. “They will get a pension depending on the number of years of subscription”, he said.
Delivering the chairman address, Dr Kekhrie Yhome, Chairman, NBOCWWB noted that India is a welfare state and it provides social security to its citizens in all walks of life while impressing upon that the welfare schemes under NBOCWWB will fill the gap in the construction sector.
While the need for construction workers is always there, he however lamented that they are not treated with respect and considered as third class citizens. Whether it is workers from Bihar, Nagaland or Maharashtra, he urged for the need to support each other. The welfare schemes, he reiterated are for the social security of this section of people.
On registering for the Scheme, a beneficiary will immediately get a grant of Rs 1000, which is directly credited to his/her account for purchase of tools. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana & Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana Scheme, NBOCWWB registered and active beneficiary also receives insurance coverage through Life Insurance Corporation of India wherein the annual premium is also paid by the Welfare Board on behalf of the beneficiaries.
Subject to renewal from year to year, it offers life insurance cover of Rs 2,00,000 in case of natural death and Rs 4,00,000 in case of accidental death.
Besides this, under Medical Assistance, a financial assistance of Rs 1000 per day for the first five days and Rs 500 per day for the next 10 days on continuous hospitalization is provided to registered beneficiaries, spouse and children as medical assistance.
It also covers the education of 2 children (from Nursery to Class 10) of each beneficiary by providing a stipend of Rs 500 per month while Maternity Benefits of Rs 6000 is provided to not only registered and active women beneficiaries but also the wives of the registered members for two deliveries as per the national program.
The NBOCWWB is further collaborating with the Department of Health & Family Welfare to cover all active beneficiary members under Ayushman Bharat. Beneficiary members whose names are already seeded can claim financial assistance up to Rs 5,00,000 per annum for themselves or their family members.
Earlier, Harsh Srivastava, AEE. BRTF delivered the welcome address. Awareness pamphlet was also distributed.
