* Mourns death of Indian pilgrims in Saudi
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also serves as the Chairman of the J&K Building & Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (JKBOCWWB), today sanctioned and released Rs 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.
Recalling the directions issued during the 22nd meeting of the JKBOCWWB held in July this year, the Chief Minister 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, Chief Minister has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic accident involving a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims in Medina, Saudi Arabia, early this morning.
He extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the mishap.
According to initial reports, the accident occurred when a bus carrying 46 pilgrims collided with a tanker while travelling from Mecca to Medina. The reports indicate that the collision resulted in the death of 45 Indian pilgrims.
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