CM Sukhu Distributes ₹5.78 Crore to 1,471 Himachal Workers
Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu distributed Rs 5.78 crore to 1,471 beneficiaries under various construction worker welfare schemes.
In a major boost to social security, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu distributed financial assistance totaling ₹5.78 crore to 1,471 registered workers and their dependents on Saturday. The distribution took place at Nogli in the Rampur Assembly constituency, covering various welfare initiatives managed by the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (HPBOCWWB).
The funds were targeted at providing relief to widows, specially-abled individuals, and needy families, as well as supporting the children of registered workers for their educational and personal milestones. The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is dedicated to ensuring these benefits reach the intended recipients through a transparent and seamless process.
Direct Transfers to Ensure Transparency
To prevent delays and eliminate middlemen, the Chief Minister confirmed that all financial assistance was transferred directly into the bank accounts of the eligible beneficiaries. This direct benefit transfer (DBT) method is part of the government's strategy to strengthen the social security net for construction workers across the state.
"The government is working to strengthen the social security of construction workers and their families and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive assistance on time," Sukhu stated, noting that transparency is a priority for the administration.
Breakdown of Welfare Schemes
The ₹5.78 crore disbursement covered a wide array of specific needs, ranging from housing to education and marriage assistance. The breakdown of the funds is as follows:
- Mukhya Mantri Aawas Yojana: ₹45.95 lakh was provided to widows, single women, destitute, and Divyang women to assist in house construction.
- Education Assistance Scheme: A significant ₹2.74 crore was allocated to 968 beneficiaries to support the higher and technical education of workers' children.
- Marriage Assistance Scheme: ₹1.83 crore was distributed among 359 beneficiaries.
- Accidental Death and Funeral Assistance: ₹54.20 lakh was provided in 21 specific cases.
- Maternity and Paternity Benefit Scheme: ₹7.14 lakh was distributed to 30 beneficiaries.
- Girl Child Birth Gift Scheme: ₹7.65 lakh was provided to the families of 15 girl children.
- Disability Support: ₹2.15 lakh was given to 10 dependents with mental disabilities, along with ₹25,000 provided under the Disability Pension Scheme.
District-wise Distribution of Funds
The welfare benefits reached various districts and sub-offices across Himachal Pradesh. The distribution included:
- Kangra: ₹1 crore (270 beneficiaries)
- Hamirpur: ₹76.74 lakh (225 beneficiaries)
- Chamba: ₹70.54 lakh (164 beneficiaries)
- Mandi: ₹64.80 lakh (171 beneficiaries)
- Sirmaur: ₹51.80 lakh (140 beneficiaries)
- Kinnaur: ₹48.39 lakh (126 beneficiaries)
- Shimla: ₹45.58 lakh (88 beneficiaries)
- Una: ₹33.93 lakh (72 beneficiaries)
- Bilaspur: ₹32.98 lakh (104 beneficiaries)
- Solan: ₹30.51 lakh (63 beneficiaries)
- Kullu: ₹21.43 lakh (48 beneficiaries)
Nardev Singh Kanwar, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, noted that following the Chief Minister's directives, the Board is continuously working to ensure the timely and transparent delivery of these benefits, providing vital financial support to the state's workforce.