Srinagar, July 25, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting of the Jammu & Kashmir Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (JKBOCWWB) in Srinagar, where he reviewed the ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of construction workers across the Union Territory.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister lauded the efforts made by the Board in supporting construction workers and their families through various social welfare schemes. He emphasized the critical need for transparent, efficient, and inclusive delivery mechanisms to ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive the benefits without delay or bureaucratic hurdles.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
| Agenda Point | Direction from the CM |
|---|---|
| Delivery of Benefits | Ensure transparency and timeliness |
| Beneficiary Outreach | Expand coverage to remote and unregistered workers |
| Process Simplification | Reduce paperwork, adopt digital solutions |
| Welfare Schemes Monitoring | Strengthen audit and review mechanisms |
| Worker Registration Drives | Conduct door-to-door campaigns in both urban and rural areas |
Focus on Inclusive Welfare
CM Omar Abdullah reiterated the government’s commitment to labour welfare, particularly for workers in construction, infrastructure, and manual sectors, which form a significant portion of the state’s informal economy.
“No eligible worker should be left behind. Welfare must reach the last worker in the queue,” the Chief Minister stated, urging officials to simplify eligibility norms and widen the Board’s presence in all districts.
He also appreciated the scholarship schemes, medical benefits, and housing assistance being provided to the families of registered workers, and suggested the incorporation of skill training programs to empower workers beyond their current roles.
Current Welfare Initiatives Under JKBOCWWB
| Scheme Name | Benefit Type | Target Group |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Assistance | Scholarships | Children of construction workers |
| Health & Medical Aid | Reimbursement, Insurance | Registered workers & dependents |
| Maternity Benefit Scheme | Financial support | Women construction workers |
| Housing Assistance Program | Grants/Subsidy | Homeless or low-income workers |
| Skill Development Initiatives | Training, Certification | Unskilled/semi-skilled workers |
Looking Ahead
The Chief Minister directed that a comprehensive awareness campaign be launched across the Union Territory to ensure that construction workers are aware of their rights and entitled benefits. He also encouraged public-private partnerships to enhance service delivery and training infrastructure.
