Labour dept aiming at registering all workers in construction business

VIBHA VERMA

vibha@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: Close to 60 per cent Goans in the unorganized sector, particularly construction industry are part of the total 10,000-odd workers registered with the State government. 

With a target to register at least 50,000 workers employed across 23 allied trades under the construction business, the Department of Labour & Employment earlier this year launched a drive to register these workers under The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act. 

In the ongoing drive, the dept has so far registered around 10,000 workers of whom 50-60 per cent are Goans. An officer wishing anonymity told Herald that the construction industry does not only include the labourers as it also comprises of carpenter, AC fitters, lift fitters, electricians, gardeners and workers in the other areas of work such as manufacture,  polishing, laying of roads, etc.  

“The registration drive is to facilitate the construction workers avail financial benefits under 17 schemes identified under the Act. We have asked the urban bodies and local panchayats to identify these workers and in a joint venture, registration camps are being held in different parts of the State,” the officer revealed. 

Through the ongoing drive, the department has received 500-odd applications from the registered construction workers for availing benefits with majority 350 applicants seeking financial help for education. 

The Goa Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, which has been formed under the Act, stated that the schemes cover various areas such as health, education, pension, accidents, etc. 

In the drive held at Taleigao on Sunday, the authorities could register only 5-6 workers and they are now making another attempt to mobilise the workers. 

During the launch of the schemes, the Board had said that the workers would also be imparted training to enhance their skills and short term courses for their family members would also be offered. 

The Act is a central legislation that is directly aimed at the welfare of building and construction workers.