Srinagar, Mar 25: CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami Sunday expressed serious concern over the plight of the construction workers registered with Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCWWB) in the state.
In a statement issued here today, Tarigami demanded the increase in the existing welfare benefits substantially to these poor workers and ensure timely release of benefits which includes a scholarship for their wards.
He rued that hundreds of marriage assistance cases, compensation to NOKs of deceased labourers, assistance for chronic diseases are pending for disposal with the Construction Welfare Board since long.
The advisory board was constituted long before, but unfortunately, no meeting was convened for suggestions and redressal of the grievances.
He demanded that that board funds should not be diverted for other purposes. There should be the provision of pension not less than Rs 3000 per month after a construction worker attains the age of 60 years. Workers are neglected and their long-pending demands are not met, he said.
He also demanded interest-free housing loans for those construction workers who are still homeless. The government must also provide another chance to those labourers, who could not submit their yearly renewal fee for different reasons. He also demanded implementation of Supreme Court order dated 19 March 2018 regarding the welfare of construction workers.
