Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today sanctioned and released ₹30.14 crore for direct online transfer to eligible beneficiaries under key welfare schemes of the Board.
The amount has been disbursed to all Assistant Labour Commissioners for immediate transfer into the bank accounts of registered workers.
The sanctioned assistance covers a range of flagship schemes aimed at supporting construction workers and their families. These include education support, disability assistance, aid for chronic illness, support for next of kin of deceased labourers, marriage assistance and meritorious awards for children of registered workers, an official press release informed.
Recalling the directions issued during the 22nd meeting of the JKBOCWWB held in July this year, the Chief Minister, who also serves as the Chairman of the J&K Building & Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, reiterated the need for a broader and more inclusive definition of ‘construction worker’ to ensure that all vulnerable and unorganised sector labourers are brought under the ambit of welfare measures.
He had also emphasized the importance of exploring innovative policy mechanisms to expand coverage, strengthen financial security for workers, and align the Board’s functioning with national best practices in labour welfare.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of the labour force, noting that construction workers are the backbone of infrastructural growth and deserve comprehensive and timely welfare support.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a bus accident in Saudi Arabia’s Medina.
Over 40 Indians were on board the bus that reportedly collided with an oil tanker at around 1:30 am (IST) and most of the deceased appeared to be Indians, officials said. The bus was learnt to be on its way from Mecca to Medina.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar put the toll at 45, saying a total of 54 people from the city had left for the pilgrimage recently.
“The Chief Minister has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident involving a bus carrying Indian pilgrims in Medina, Saudi Arabia early this morning. He has extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Abdullah’s office said in a post on its official X handle.
Visuals of the incident on television channels showed a massive fire engulfing the bus and thick clouds of smoke rising in the air
