BY TC News Desk
Agartala, October 18, 2023: Labour minister Tinku Roy on Wednesday announced a significant milestone in the state’s Construction Workers Welfare Scheme. The Labour Department has extended assistance to a total of 10,095 construction workers. Notably, the financial aid provided to workers across various construction fields has been increased compared to previous years.
During the press conference, Minister Tinku Roy highlighted the accomplishments of the Department of Labour, Youth Affairs, and Sports, as well as the Department of Social Welfare and Social Education. He reported that the Mukhyamantri Cha Sramik Kalyan Prakalpa has successfully distributed land among 2,000 tea worker families. The Labour department officials have also engaged in discussions with tea estate owners regarding Durga Puja bonuses for tea workers. Additionally, negotiations are ongoing concerning Durga Puja bonus payments for outsourced workers in various companies.
In the Construction Workers Welfare Scheme for the fiscal year 2022-23, 135 women construction workers have received financial assistance of Rs 50,000 for marriage. Educational assistance was provided to 6,960 construction workers, and 5 pregnant construction workers received financial aid. Moreover, 60 construction workers received medical assistance, and 2,865 were granted pensions. Minister Tinku Roy emphasized the department’s commitment to providing diverse benefits to workers at different levels in the state. In the near future, the Labour Department plans to introduce mobile health services and labour sheds at GB Hospital to further enhance worker welfare.
In another significant announcement, Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy shared that 234 new Anganwadi Kendras have been established in the state. Among them, 44 Anganwadi Kendras were constructed in Blue Rehabilitation Areas. The department also intends to develop 200 Anganwadi Kendras in the Dhalai district as competent Anganwadi Kendras equipped with Smart Class facilities. The department has implemented a grading system for Anganwadi Kendras based on student attendance, with ‘A’ for 80 percent attendance, ‘B’ for 50 percent, and ‘C’ for 40 percent. A committee, comprising local public representatives, parents, and dignitaries, has been formed to ensure the smooth operation of each Anganwadi Kendra.
Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy further disclosed that funds have been sanctioned for the purchase of sarees and pachras for Anganwadi workers and helpers in the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24. The department has also appointed 334 Anganwadi workers and 176 helpers. Additionally, 100 Anganwadi workers with the requisite educational qualifications have been promoted to Anganwadi Supervisors. The Juvenile Justice Fund of the Department of Social Welfare and Social Education has offered medical assistance to 23 children. Furthermore, the department has provided allowances to 1,726 Divyanjans, financial support to 2,036 HIV patients, 2,865 cancer patients, and single parents.
The Youth Affairs and Sports Department has achieved noteworthy accomplishments, including the construction of a new youth residence in Ambasa, Dhalai district, set for imminent inauguration. Plans are underway to modernize the indoor hall of Netaji Subhas Regional Coaching Center (NSRCC) and construct two youth hostels in Udaipur and Kailasahar at a cost of Rs 25 crore. Additionally, a football stadium will be built in Santirbazar. The department is actively working to complete the hockey synthetic court at Badharghat Stadium and the synthetic turf football field at Panisagar under the Khelo India project by March 2024.
The press conference featured the presence of prominent figures, including Youth Affairs and Sports Department Director Satyabrata Nath, Social Welfare and Social Education Department Director Smita Mol, and Labor Commissioner Dhanbabu Reang. These developments signify significant progress in promoting the welfare and empowerment of workers, youth, and the underprivileged in the state.
