The Delhi Government has announced that it will provide financial assistance of Rs 5,000 again to the construction workers in the wake of the extended coronavirus lockdown.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Construction Workers' Welfare Board, chaired by Labour Minister Gopal Rai on Monday.
There are around 40,000 construction workers registered with the board. The Delhi Government has also decided to launch an online portal where construction workers can register themselves from May 15-25th. The Government had also given Rs 5,000 recently to the construction workers due to the lockdown over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Soon after the board’s decision, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “Delhi government will again give Rs 5,000 to construction labourers."
"The Delhi Government in April had given one-time financial assistance to the construction workers registered with it. Close to 40,000 workers were given Rs 5,000 each during the lockdown. But then the lockdown was extended, therefore, we have decided to give Rs 5,000 again as financial assistance to the construction workers," said Rai.
"We had also received reports regarding opening of registration for new labourers. The Delhi Government has decided to change the procedure for new registration. We have decided that from May 15-25 we will open online registration. The online website link will be shared with all. The labourers can register through that link and upload photocopies of their documents. After May 25 we will verify all these applications, thereafter, we will call the applicants to the labour department, 50 per day to submit their original documents," he said.
"There are some doubts regarding who all can register themselves as construction workers. According to laws, carpenters, worker grinders, construction site guards, the people who work in concrete mixers, crane operator, electrician, comp operator, Mason (Raj Mistry), tiles stone fitters, welders, coolies and others can apply," Rai added.