Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (CLP)

Mangalore, Sep 27: Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Bengaluru organized a press meet to spread awareness about construction work and welfare programme for workers, at Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee, on Saturday, September 27 in city.

The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 was introduced by Government of India to regulate the employment and conditions of service of building and to provide safety, health and welfare measures for construction workers. The rules to the act were brought into force by the Karnataka Government with effect from November 1, 2006.

Speaking to press KPCC Labour Cell president S.S. Prakasham said, "The chief minister has decided to grant 850 crore for the welfare of the Karnataka Building and construction workers. My aim in coming to Mangalore was to build Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) School in every district and Kalyana mantapa in every district. Today, there are two types of workers in construction- organized sector and un-organized sector. Organized sector is benefiting the various facilities but un-organized sector is deprived of various benefits. Out of 100% workers, 60% workers come in un-organized sector, so we have submitted a report to the government on how to help these workers.

He further said, “Our motto is to help domestic workers avail the benefits of the government project. The government has allotted 3000 crore for Building and Other Construction Workers but only few benefit it. Mangalore also has many Karnataka building and construction workers but people are not aware of the welfare board. In Bangalore, everyday there is death on construction site, most of them are north Indians coming from UP, Bihar etc. They lack awareness about government run welfare programme; we have done extensive campaign so that they too benefit from it".

He briefed about some of the benefits available through the board, such as financial assistance for hospitalisation up to Rs 6,000, accident compensation of Rs 2 lac to the nominee of the registered member in the event of his or her death.

The assistance is also provided for the education of the son or daughter of a registered construction worker.

The beneficiary's two children are given the following assistance (only for two children):
SSLC pass or its equivalent, a sum of Rs 5,000
PUC pass or its equivalent, a sum of Rs 5,000
Studying in ITI/ Diploma, a sum of Rs 5,000
Studying in general degree course, a sum of Rs 5,000
Studying in professional course, a sum of Rs 5,000

Maternity assistance is limited to two deliveries to female beneficiary.

Registration fee to avail such benefit from welfare board is Rs 25 on one time and renewal fee is Rs 150 for three years, he added.