‘All registered workers to be covered within few days: Labour Com
KINS Desk
Srinagar, March 30 (KINS): In a significant development, the Labour and Employment department of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT) has disbursed Rs 11.17 crore on fast track basis directly into the accounts of registered active building and construction workers across the UT in view of Covid-19 outbreak.
The development comes close on the heels of Lieutenant Governor Girish Chander Murmu’s direction on March 25.
The LG had directed Rs 1000 assistance to 3.5 lakh. Under LG Murmu’s directions, each active registered building and construction worker will get Rs 1000 cash assistance directly into their accounts.
The decision was taken in view of the fast outbreak of Covid-19 which has already claimed two lives in J&K while 45 persons have tested positive so far of which 17 belong to Srinagar alone.
The government has banned all sorts of construction works. In Srinagar, the order to ban the construction works was issued by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Mayor Junaid Matoo.
The ban on construction of buildings and other related constructions was ordered to ensure “break the chain” slogan of the government is implemented on ground.
However, the workers registered with the government had complained that they would die of hunger as their livelihood was purely dependent on the construction work of buildings etc. Keeping their concern in view, the LG Murmu chaired a crucial meeting in Jammu on March 25 and directed the officials of Labour department of J&K to disburse Rs 1000 to each worker registered with the government directly into their bank accounts.
As per the break-up available with the Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), the Labour department of J&K released Rs 11.1707000 Crore to active building and construction workers of J&K. The money was transferred into their accounts directly.
As per the break-up, the government has covered all southern, northern and central districts of Kashmir and also all districts of Jammu region.
However, workers while appreciating the government’s action complained that Rs 1000 was a too little help given the needs of a common person in the present challenging times. “This is too paltry for us. Refill of one LGP gas cylinder costs Rs 800. Edible oil etc and other daily use items are so costly, what will we do with just Rs 1000. Government must do more so that we survive and live happy life,” he said.
Labour commissioner told KINS over phone that all the active members will be covered in short period of time. (KINS)
