Scholarships announced for children of construction workers

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a slew of welfare measures ranging from social security, education, healthcare to housing for registered construction workers of the State on Saturday.

Scholarships were announced for the children of construction and unorganized sector workers studying in high school. The government has decided to provide Rs 2000 per annum scholarship for Class VIII students, while Class IX and Class X students will get Rs 3000, Rs 4000 pa respectively.

“For the welfare of construction and other unorganized workers of the State, pension at par with Madhu Babu Pension Yojana will be given to registered construction workers of 60 years and above. Scholarships will be given to children of construction worker families studying in class VIII worth Rs 2000 per annum, Class IX worth Rs 3000 per annum, and Class X worth Rs 4000 per annum. One time cash reward of Rs 10000 will be awarded to meritorious Class X students of construction worker families, who pass with 90% and above. Girl students of construction worker families will be given cash incentives worth Rs 2000 per year. Cash incentives given to pregnant and nursing mothers of construction families will be enhanced from Rs 8000 to Rs 10000, over and above the assistance given under the Mamta Yojana. Scale of assistance under Nirman Sramik Pucca Ghar Yojana will be enhanced by Rs 20,000 over and above MGNREGS and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan incentives thereby enhancing the construction assistance for each house to Rs 1.5 lakh. Medical assistance of Rs 3 lakh for treatment of nervous disorders, cardio vascular diseases, kidney problems, cancer and orthopedic disorders will now be given to construction workers when registered for at least one year with the board. Besides the provision of funds worth Rs 5 crore has been made for the implementation of programs under Unorganized Workers Social Security Act,” said Naveen Patnaik

"My government is committed for all round welfare of the construction workers as well as workers in the unorganized sector and will continue to do so," Patnaik added.