Govt hikes aid for construction workers

The Delhi government on Sunday announced a hike in aid for the welfare of construction workers under various schemes provided by it.

Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai said for the marriage of daughters of construction workers, the financial help has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 51,000.

"Maternity benefits amount have been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30, 000 and home loan facility has been increased to Rs 3 lakh for registered construction workers," the Minister said, while 

addressing a function organised by the Labour Department at Chhatrasal Stadium.

Rai also gave a cheque of Rs 15 crore to the Education Department for 2,6,451 registered construction labourers' children studying in 266 schools of Delhi.

He added the Directorate of Education has been preparing a database of registered construction labourers' children for 2014-15 so that financial assistance will be available for their education.

Besides, the government has increased the Disability Pension Benefits for them from Rs 1,000 per month to Rs 3,000. "Family pension benefits has been increased from Rs 500 per month to Rs 1,500," the Minister said, adding that the Accidental Death Financial Assistance has been enhanced from Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 2,00,000. 

Rai also launched a <g data-gr-id="20">toll free</g> helpline no 155214 for resolving problems of workers. He said the labour helpline number has received 715 complaints, of which 577 complaints have been settled, and the remaining 198 have been forwarded to regional labour offices for further action and settlement.