Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 25 June 2024
In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility for building and construction workers, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Health Agency, Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The ceremony took place at the Secretariat, marking a pivotal moment in the welfare of the region’s Labour force.
The MoU ensures that eligible registered building and construction workers will now receive coverage under the Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana – PMJAY), a flagship health insurance scheme of the Government of India. This agreement mandates that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board will fully cover the premium cost for PMJAY for all eligible workers, providing comprehensive health coverage without financial burden.
Under this initiative, workers and their families will benefit from up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. The scheme will offer cashless and paperless access to hospital services across the country, significantly improving the welfare and health security of the construction workforce in the Union Territory.
Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (Labour & Employment) and Chairperson of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, expressed his gratitude and underscored the initiative’s importance. “This MoU represents our commitment to the welfare and well-being of building and construction workers in the A&N Islands. By providing them with access to Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY, we ensure that the workers and their families are protected against high medical costs, allowing them to lead healthier and more secure lives,” he stated.
Mr. C. Aravind, Secretary (Health) and Chief Executive Officer of the State Health Agency, emphasized the partnership’s significance in bridging the healthcare gap for construction workers. “It is a proud moment to collaborate with the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board,” he said. “The MoU will pave the way for better health outcomes for a critical segment of our workforce.”
This initiative is part of broader efforts by the Labour and Health Departments of the A&N Administration to improve the living conditions and welfare of workers across various sectors. By ensuring access to essential healthcare services, these departments are making crucial strides toward inclusive growth and development.
The Board has urged registered building and construction workers to avail themselves of these healthcare benefits. For further information or clarification, workers can contact the Helpdesk at ANIBOCWWB, O/o Labour Commissioner & DET, Supply Line, Port Blair, or call 03192 230157 during office hours from Monday to Saturday (9 am to 5 pm).
The signing ceremony was attended by several key officials, including Mr. K Srinivasa Rao, Chief Executive Officer/Labour Commissioner, Mr. OT Vishakh, Assistant Labour Commissioner/Beneficiary Registering Officer, and Mr. A Kavilan, Admin. Officer (i/c) of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.