Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 28 February 2024
In a bid to extend social security assistance to eligible beneficiary workmen, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (ANBOCWWB) conducted an ‘Awareness-cum-Interaction Session’ followed by a ‘Spot Registration Camp’ for the benefit of Building and Other Construction Workers of Middle Andaman. The event took place at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium in Rangat on February 27, 2024, drawing participation from 300 construction workers.
Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (Labour & Employment) of the A&N Administration and Chairman of ANIBOCW Welfare Board, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Also in attendance were prominent figures including Ms. Sita Majhi, Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti, Rangat; Mr. Abdul Qayum, Divisional Forest Officer, Middle Andaman; Mr. Rahul Nair, IPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Rangat; Mr. K. Srinivasa Rao, Labour Commissioner and Director of Employment & Training; and Ms. Sapna Priya, Assistant Commissioner, Rangat.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Agarwal highlighted the commitment of the A&N Administration towards the welfare of construction workers. He emphasized that the ANIBOCW Welfare Board, established in accordance with the Building and Other Construction Workers (RE&CS) Act 1996, provides various benefits such as education assistance, medical support, marriage aid, maternity benefits, pension schemes, disability assistance, funeral aid, and skill development opportunities to registered workers in the UT of A&N Islands. Eligibility for registration extends to workers aged between eighteen and sixty years who have been engaged in building or construction activities for a minimum of ninety days in the preceding twelve months.
Providing further insights, Secretary (Labour & Employment) mentioned that the ANIBOCW Welfare Board has disbursed Rs. 32.58 Crore to eligible beneficiary workmen through various social security schemes to date. Of this, Rs. 17.57 Crore has been distributed to beneficiaries in the N&M Andaman District via direct benefit transfer (DBT). Dr. Agarwal urged all eligible building and other construction workers to register with ANIBOCW Welfare Board and take advantage of the available social security assistance.
During the session, the Chairperson of the Board addressed queries from construction workers, providing favourable responses and clarifications. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Suranjan Mukhopadhay, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Rangat, N&M Andaman District.
The initiative underscores the commitment of ANBOCWWB towards improving the welfare and livelihoods of construction workers in the region, ensuring they receive the necessary support and assistance mandated by law.