Massive Direct Benefit Transfer to Construction Labourers
Dehradun – In a landmark move on Saturday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami authorised a direct benefit transfer (DBT) of ₹18.49 crore into the bank accounts of 10,709 eligible construction workers under the Uttarakhand Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
Key directives from the chief minister
Speaking from his residence, Dhami underscored the pivotal role of construction workers in the state’s growth. He instructed officials to guarantee that every eligible worker and family member receives timely benefits across education, health, nutrition and social security schemes, ensuring maximum transparency.
"Our workers deserve not just wages but a safety net that covers health, learning and a dignified life," the chief minister said.
Health‑First Approach
The CM emphasized immediate medical attention for any worker diagnosed with an illness during health screenings. He called for seamless coordination between the Labour and Health Departments so that identified cases are swiftly referred to appropriate care facilities.
Education, Nutrition and Welfare Kits
According to the board, the latest DBT batch includes:
- 95 beneficiaries receiving maternity assistance,
- 177 under post‑death assistance,
- 2,354 for daughter’s marriage assistance, and
- 8,083 for education assistance.
To date, the integrated welfare model has distributed 33,429 educational material kits, 26,674 hygiene kits and 23,216 nutrition kits, bringing the total count of kits handed out to 83,319.
Shramik Health Scheme Milestones
Under the Shramik Health Scheme, workers have undergone 20,527 health screenings and 232,281 health tests. The CM expressed satisfaction, noting that early detection has already saved lives by catching serious ailments at nascent stages.
Digital Labour Cess Management System (LCCMS)
The meeting also reviewed the performance of the Labour Cess Collection Management System (LCCMS). The digital platform, which earned the SKOCH Gold Award for e‑Governance in 2025, now records 21,200 establishments online and has boosted cess collection by 47.21 %. Officials highlighted its potential as a replicable model for other Indian states.
National Acclaim and Replication Interest
The Uttarakhand Shramik Health Scheme garnered praise at a national Building and Other Construction Workers conference in Mumbai. Delegates from West Bengal, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh signalled interest in adopting the mobile medical‑unit model, which brings screening, consultation and referral services directly to worksites.
Future Monitoring and Inclusion
Dhami tasked officials with continuous monitoring of beneficiary coverage, especially in remote districts, to ensure no eligible worker is left out of the welfare net.
Present at the programme were State Advisory Contract Board Chairman Kailash Pant, Vigilance Committee Chairperson Geeta Rawat, Vice‑Chairperson Mohini Pokhariya, Welfare Board Chairman Dr. Shridhar Babu Adanki, Secretary Prakash Chandra Dumka, and senior officials from the Labour Department.
