Yimkhuing Tribal Council (YTC) on Friday accorded a felicitation programme for Yimso Yimchunger, the newly appointed chairman of the Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (NBOCWWB) under department of Labour. The programme was held at the Commissioner’s Guest House, Kohima in the presence of MLA and advisor Fire and Emergency Services S Kiusumew, MLA and advisor Youth Resources and Sports S Keoshu and YTC advisor Shihlemthong.

In his address, Yimchunger while acknowledging the felicitation organized by YTC said he is thankful to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for believing in him and entrusting him the role of chairman of NBOCWWB.

He said that the responsibility is particularly for the welfare of labourers in the state and it will also be beneficial the people of Eastern Nagaland who are working under the construction sector. He mentioned that there are a lot of labours in the state who have not been registered and the schemes under NBOCWWB are not informed.

He also highlighted that there are many schemes under the NBOCWWB. Earlier the board had scholarships which was sponsored by the board for class A to 10, he added.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

“During my induction to the office, we have enhanced the classes. Erstwhile it was from class A to 10 but the board has decided to extend it up to class 12. Each registered member will have opportunity for two children (Rs.500 each)”, he added.

Yimchunger also said earlier, for one time grant in a year, it was Rs.2000 but recently the board had decided to enhance it to Rs.3000 to the beneficiaries. He mentioned that the board has loss of earning compensation where each registered beneficiary will benefit up to Rs.30,000 per financial year.

The new chairman NBOCWWB also encouraged the young people who have not completed their academic careers to grasp the opportunity that the board offers. Highlighting that there are so many migrant workers in the state who are earning doing construction works, Yimchunger called upon Naga youth to take up works under the sector.

NBOCWWB chief executive officer (CEO) T Chubayanger in his speech said that the welfare board has been functioning for more than two years without a chairman.

He highlighted that when it comes to construction, the board observed that the work force comes from the state’s eastern side. He mentioned that the NBOCWWB is of view that they should concentrate more in the matter of registration, training, and other facilities in the eastern region. Talking about construction, he said that the eastern Nagaland people “with all their hearts” willingly come to pick up this trait.

On the upscaling prospects of facilities that the board is providing, the CEO added that the board has done some revisions more towards enhancing the benefit of registered members.

He also said that the board has introduced gratuity, however, pension cannot be provided. He stated that the central government is talking about pension, but with the type of funds that Nagaland has, he expressed concern that the welfare board may not be able to provide monthly pensions. Maintaining that the board has been brainstorming about the scheme, he said with the appointment of a new chairman, the board will provide a gratuity to those people who are completing 60 years. “Our scheme covers beneficiaries till 60 years only. So those people who complete 60 years, depending on the number of years that they were with us, we will give them gratuity. So, at least, they take home something after the complete 60 years,” he added.

Earlier during the program, women associate pastor YBBK Rachel invoked God’s blessing while the welcome address was given by YTC acting president H Hanji.