Odisha Govt Announces Scholarships For Construction Workers’ Children

BHUBANESWAR: A day ahead of International Labour Day, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday announced several welfare packages for construction workers including the scholarship to workers’ children studying in high school.

The state government would provide scholarships to children of construction worker of Rs 2000, Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,000 per annum studying in class VIII, XI, X, respectively.

One time cash award of Rs.10,000 will be given to meritorious Class X students of construction worker families who pass with more than 90% marks, said the chief minister.

He said girl students of construction worker families studying in Class VI and VII would be given cash incentive of Rs. 2000 per year.

Besides, pension at par with Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) will be given to registered construction workers of 60 years and above, he added.

“Cash incentive to pregnant and nursing mothers of construction worker families will be enhanced from Rs. 8000 to Rs. 10000 over and above the assistance given under Mamata Yojana,” said Patnaik.

He said the scale of assistance under Nirman Shramik Pucca Ghar Yojana would be enhanced by Rs. 20,000 over and above MGNREGS and Swachha Bharat Abhiyan incentive thereby enhancing the cost of construction of each house to Rs. 1.50 lakhs.

Medical assistance up to Rs. 3 lakhs for the treatment of Nervous disorders, cardiovascular diseases, Kidney problems, Cancer and Orthopedic disorders will now be given to construction workers who are registered for at least 1 year with the Board, said the chief minister.

Besides, a provision of funds for Rs.5 crores has been made for implementation of programmes under Unorganized Workers Social Security Act.