Shillong, May 1: The state government today rolled out digital and financial initiatives aimed at workers’ welfare across the state at an International Workers’ Day celebration at the U Soso Tham Auditorium here.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stated that economic growth remains the biggest objective of the state, driven by an inclusive economic policy designed to directly benefit the workers.
This expansion is currently funding 5,000 ongoing infrastructure projects worth Rs 29,000 crores, which have already translated into 20,000 new jobs for the common people, he added. Meghalaya has the highest unskilled labour wage in the North East and the third highest in the country.
The CM announced the rollout of the CM LIGHT scheme reaching over 11,000 workers across the state. He detailed financial assistance packages for labourers, which include support for education, maternity benefits, family and welfare, medical assistance and insurance coverage.
He also highlighted other measures, such as the Rs 6 crore pledged for the renovation of community assets and Rs 7.5 crore for school renovation.
“While we are taking our state forward in economic growth and infrastructure development, we are ensuring that no one is left behind. Every single person gets benefits and is part of the process,” Sangma concluded.
Labour, Employment and Skill Development Minister Methodius Dkhar explained that the school renovation scheme includes a 5 percent reservation and free tuition for workers’ children in aided schools. Furthermore, the ‘Startup Toolkit Scheme’ will distribute essential toolkits worth Rs 8,000 each to 6,656 trained workers to boost their livelihoods.
The event saw the official launch of four new welfare schemes for workers – CM LIGHT, a scheme that will provide a direct benefit transfer of Rs 5,000 to beneficiaries. During the event, a total of Rs 5,86,85,000 was disbursed to 11,737 beneficiaries across the state.
Other features of the celebration include the launch of the ‘E-Labour Connect Mobile Application’ and announcement that the Meghalaya Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (MBOCWWB) will now bear premium on behalf of beneficiaries under three central social security schemes for all workers registered under the board.
