Ganderbal, November 20, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah undertook a significant visit to Ganderbal district on Monday, where he spearheaded local development projects and welfare initiatives, with a special emphasis on uplifting the families of registered construction workers. As Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (JKBOCWWB), Abdullah’s engagement highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the unorganized labor sector, particularly those he aptly termed the “backbone of infrastructural growth.”Disbursement of Education Assistance: Empowering the Next GenerationA pivotal moment of the visit was the direct disbursement of Education Assistance to the children of registered construction workers under the JKBOCWWB schemes. This financial aid is designed to remove barriers to quality education for wards from low-income families in the construction industry, covering essentials like school fees, books, and related expenses.This event was part of a comprehensive ₹30.14 crore welfare package sanctioned and released just a day prior, on November 17, 2025. The package encompasses a range of flagship schemes, including:Education Support: Targeted aid for academic pursuits.
Disability Assistance: Financial relief for workers or dependents with disabilities.
Chronic Illness Aid: Support for ongoing medical needs.
Next-of-Kin Support: Assistance for families of deceased workers.
Marriage Assistance: Aid for matrimonial expenses.
Meritorious Awards: Recognition and rewards for children’s academic achievements.
Funds were seamlessly transferred online to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Assistant Labour Commissioners, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and immediate impact. In Ganderbal, CM Abdullah personally handed over benefits to eligible families, creating an atmosphere of inclusion and empowerment that resonated deeply with the community.Extension of Application Deadline: A Responsive MeasureIn a proactive response to on-the-ground feedback from laborers during the interaction, CM Abdullah directed an immediate extension of the Education Assistance application deadline to December 15, 2025. This extension addresses the challenges faced by deserving families who may have missed prior cutoffs, thereby expanding the welfare net to include more unorganized construction workers.The decision builds on the inclusive policies outlined in the 22nd JKBOCWWB meeting held in July 2025, which advocated for broader definitions of “construction workers” to encompass a wider segment of the labor force. This move underscores the Jammu & Kashmir government’s agile and people-centric approach to labor welfare.Broader Context: A Multifaceted Tour for Holistic DevelopmentThe Ganderbal visit extended beyond welfare disbursements, encompassing a holistic review of district progress and the inauguration of key infrastructure projects. Deputy Commissioner Jatin Kishore presented a detailed overview, spotlighting advancements in urban planning, agriculture, education, and winter tourism—such as positioning Sonamarg as a hub for adventure sports.Key inaugurations and handovers included:Infrastructure Boost: The ₹5.2 crore upgradation of the Dak Bungalow Fatehpora–Gadoora road, alongside new water supply schemes by Jal Shakti, road enhancements by Public Works Department (R&B), and power infrastructure improvements by Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).
Youth and Social Welfare: Sanction letters under the Mission Youth Unemployment (YUVA) program, distribution of scooties through the Social Welfare Department, a ₹6 lakh grant-in-aid for a Self-Help Group via the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), and PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) housing cheques and sanctions.
Employment Regularization: Orders for promoting 14 Class IV workers to Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) positions.
Healthcare Enhancement: Inauguration of a state-of-the-art USG machine at District Hospital Ganderbal, funded through the Chief Minister’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
These initiatives reflect a balanced strategy for sustainable growth, aligning local efforts with national priorities for labor welfare and infrastructure.Impact and Next Steps: Towards Inclusive ProsperityCM Abdullah’s visit not only delivered immediate financial relief but also reinforced best practices in labor welfare, drawing parallels to national benchmarks. By extending the deadline and streamlining disbursements, the government is poised to benefit thousands more children from construction worker families, fostering long-term empowerment and social mobility.Eligible registered workers and their families are urged to apply promptly via the JKBOCWWB online portal or through local labour offices. For detailed application guidelines, eligibility criteria, and updates, visit the official Jammu & Kashmir Labour & Employment Department website at jklabour.nic.in or follow @CM_JnK
on X (formerly Twitter).This proactive outreach in Ganderbal exemplifies the Jammu & Kashmir administration’s dedication to equitable development, ensuring that the sacrifices of construction workers translate into brighter futures for their loved ones. As deadlines approach, eligible beneficiaries are encouraged to seize this opportunity before December 15, 2025.
