Finance
By: Shree1news, 16 JUL 2021
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on thursday disbursed a sum of Rs 1500 as Covid assistance to each registered construction worker in the State by video conferencing.
A total sum of Rs 385 crore was disbursed to 26 lakh construction workers within the State as Covid assistance package, stated an official press release.
The State government had also paid a sum of Rs 1500 to each construction worker within the State last year during the first wave of the Covid pandemic.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister stated, “Nobody can deprive poor people of their rights. The poor have every right to live with dignity”.
The Chief Minister stated that this help will assist in lessening the misery of the construction worker during the Covid pandemic.
Explaining the important role of construction workers in the economy, Patnaik stated that without the welfare of construction workers no economy can be prosperous.
He described construction workers as ‘Viswakarmas’ who sacrifice their happiness for the comfort of others.
“They build big buildings with their backs exposed to the scorching sun. They burn themselves to show light to others. They construct good houses for others whereas staying in inhospitable conditions. They construct roads, bridges, and so on. On every page of our progress lies a story of the sacrifice and hard work of the workers. By respecting the sacrifice of the poor people we can connect all with development,” the Chief Minister stated.
Construction workers expressed their deep gratitude to the Chief Minister for this assistance.
Ganjam’s Rabindra Pradhan, Cuttack’s Nabaghana Parida, Bargarh’s Keshav Pradhan, Sundargarh’s Renu Minz—all had one thing to tell, “Thank you, Chief Minister Sir”.
“Your assistance at this hour of crisis has saved us. Last year we had received Rs 1500, this year too we got it. Along with that we are getting assistance for the studies of our children, bicycle, daughter’s marriage and everything,” they told the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister also enquired from them how much money they have got.
Participating in the programme, Labour, ESI, and Rural Development Minister Susant Singh threw light on the varied steps, implementation of labour laws and citizen-centric programmes of the State government.
Chairman of Odisha Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik informed that the Board runs 32 schemes for construction workers and these services are being efficiently delivered through 5T.
Secretary to Chief Minister (5T) VK Pandian moderated the programme.
Departmental Secretary Chitra Arumugam read out the welcome address at the programme whereas the Labour Commissioner offered the vote of thanks.
Chief Secretary Suresh Mahapatra, Development Commissioner PK Jena and other senior officers were present.
Construction workers from all the 314 blocks of the State took part in the programme through video conferencing.
Source:A-N
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