Government hikes benefits for building workers

Rs one lakh to kin in case of accident

The Delhi Government has decided to implement the recommendation of an expert committee, giving 65,000 construction workers a major increase in welfare allowances.

The government will pay Rs one lakh instead of  the current Rs 15,000 to a labourer's family in case of death in work-related accident.

The Delhi Cabinet on Monday accepted the recommendations of the expert committee on the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996. Labour Minister Ramakant Goswami said the  decision will benefit over 65,000 registered workers.

Goswami said the maternity benefit has been hiked to Rs 10,000 from Rs 1,000. The pension of Rs 150 per month has been increased to Rs 1,000. The advance for purchase or construction of a house will be hiked from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh.

“The disability pension has been increased from Rs 150 per month to Rs 1,000. Further, an ex-gratia payment amounting up to Rs 5,000 being given presently will be enhanced to Rs 25,000,” the minister said. The loan for buying tools will be doubled from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.

Help towards funeral expenses has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000. Registered  female members will get Rs 10,000 and males Rs 5,000 as financial assistance when they get married.
Registered workers can draw Rs 10,000 for a daughter's marriage, and Rs 5,000 for a son's.

Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit congratulated the labour department on the decision, and said the recommendations of the committee are justified and rational.