55/2023-2024

Aizawl, 19th May 2023: Shri V. Srinivasa Naidu, Chairman, of the Central Building & Other Construction Workers (CB&OCW) Advisory Board called on Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati at the Raj Bhavan, yesterday. Shri Mohana Nagaraja, Advisor to Chairman, Shri Lalramsanga Sailo, Secretary and Smt. Angela Zothanpuii Director of Labour, Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (LESDE) Department were also present in the meeting.

Officials from the state LESDE Department apprised the Governor and CB&OCW Advisory Board Chairman of the history, achievements, future opportunities and constraints of the Mizoram Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (MB&OCWWB). The Governor was pleased to hear the increase in enrollment and live verification of workers; increase in cess collection and its disbursement. Taking cognizance of the constraints faced by LESDE Department and MB&OCWWB, the Governor gave his word to the officials to broach the issue to the concerned ministries in Delhi.

At the outset, Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati thanked Shri V. Srinivasa Naidu for his visit to the state. The Governor informed CB&OCE Chairman about the current conditions of labor activities in the state and he stressed the need for more participation of local youths in the sector. He also expressed his appreciation to LESDE and MB&OCWWB for their continuous effort towards the welfare of workers in the state. He applauded the different schemes of MB&OCWWB and advised the officials to encourage the enrollment of workers in the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) & Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

MB&OCWWB was constituted in the year 2009. It comprised of LESDE Minister as the Chairman, LESDE Secretary and Director as Vice Chairman and Secretary respectively; and representatives of Central, State Government and Trade Unions as members. It provides different schemes to the enrolled members such as Children's Educational Assistance, Medical Assistance, Disability Benefits, Death Benefits etc. So far, it has accumulated revenue of Rs 231.82 crores from different sources and has disbursed Rs 115.6 crores which has benefitted 1,62,694 workers. The previous financial year witnessed an increase in cess collection and cess disbursement. It has also conducted a live verification of workers in their respective villages and registered workers are endowed through Direct Benefit Transfer.  The recently concluded Mizoram Mega Job Fair organised by LESDE has witnessed 120 job appointments so far and the number is expected to increase in the coming days.