A Special Registration Camp under Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (NBOCWWB) for Inter state migrant workers and a health screening camp was held at the Smart City Hotel construction site Kohima on July 16.
Speaking on the significance of the camp, Kumar Ramnikant (IAS) Deputy Commissioner Kohima highlighted that many workers are not aware of the GoI and state government welfares, so the camp has been organised to create awareness and to provide an opportunity for the workers to avail their benefits. Emphasizing on the need for workers to be informed, the DC also highlighted the challenges of registrations for such schemes and policies which requires to a registered Phone number. With many of the workers changing their phone numbers constantly, Ramnikant reminded that the workers are are missing out on many benefits, therefore if they need to change then they should update it. He also advised the workers in following safety measures while working. With the nation prioritising on infrastructure, the DC encouraged the workers that they play an important part in nation building .
Er. Vikeheto Naki, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NBOCWWB, Assistant Labour Commissioner in his speech highlighted that according to the survey carried out by the National Statistical Office (NSO) during the year 2017-18 there are around 38 crore unorganised workers in India, constituting to around 14 percent of the total population of the country. And as per that report, Nagaland has around 6.3 lacs workers engage in these sectors.
Naki also cited a Journal published by Nagaland University, Department of Economics Lumami in March 2015, which indicated that there are about 2,67, 629 migrant workers in Nagaland who migrated to Nagaland for better lives after 1963.
When the nationwide lockdown was declared in March 2020, due to Covid-19, the Assistant Labour Commissioner relayed, these sections of the society, migrant labourers in particulars were the most affected persons, who had faced many untold miseries. “The Government was also not able to do much as there was no data available,” said Naki.
The labour department, having understood that the Migrant Workers are the most vulnerable section of the society, formulated plans to give priority to migrant workers during the current year 2024 and accordingly the special camp had been organized.
“The aim of today’s special camp will be registering of workers under eShram and NBOCWWB and thereby share of information with various stakeholders for delivery of various social security and welfare schemes being administered by them,” informed Naki.
As on 31st March, 2024, a total of only 2887 migrant worker has been registered under eShram in the state, which constitute only 1.08 percent of migrant workers present in the State. Therefore, the Assistant Labour Commissioner urged all migrant workers in the State to get registered under eShram and come under the folder for labour department.
Registration under eShram is free and any unorganised workers aged between 16- 59 having Aadhar and Bank account can get registered under e-SHRAM, which can be done through any mobile or computer or by visiting the nearest CSC centre.
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On registration under e-SHRAM, applicants will receive an UIN number. Naki informed that the UIN number will be a primary data for Integration of all Social Security. With the Ministry already integrating eShram data with many social security schemes and likewise the department in collaboration with Food and Civil supply department had already issued 45 ration cards to the migrant workers registered under eShram from our state.
“At present less than 100 migrant workers are registered under NBOCWWB to avail the benefits. However, very shortly NBOCWWB data will also be integrated with the eShram data, so once the workers are registered under eShram, the department can act upon accordingly to provide the social security scheme been implemented by the Board,” said Naki reminding the gathering that the NBOCWWB was created to help those working under construction sector.
The benefits availed by the registered members of NBOCWWB was also highlighted whereare Upon registration, a worker will get tool grand of ₹1000/-. Registered members are covered under PMJJBY (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana) & PMSBY (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana) 200000/- each in case of natural and accidental dead. “You don’t need to pay any premium.,Loss of earning ₹1000/per night hospitalization for the first 5 days and *500/per night for more than 5days hospitalisation,Scholarship of ₹500/- for two child every month,Maternity benefits of ₹5000/- for two children,Ayushman Bharat card (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)) 5 lakhs per family per year,” informed Naki.
“Lastly, to all our workers work safely, insist for PPE from the contractor. I notice some of you are not wearing PPE in the work site as PPE is your right. If you have any queries or issue reach us at toll free number. 18003090407 without any hesitation,” advised Naki.
The program was followed by unveiling of the camp by DC of Kohima Kumar Ramnikant IAS .
