Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday distributed Rs 375-crore Covid assistance to 26 lakh construction workers at a function organised through videoconferencing. Each registered construction worker received Rs 1,500. In first Covid wave, a similar amount were also paid. Patnaik said State’s economy can never prosper without welfare of workers. Describing the construction workers as Viswakarmas, he said they forget their happiness for benefit of others. The construction workers expressed their deep gratitude to Chief Minister for this emergency assistance. Participating in virtual event Rabindra Pradhan of Ganjam, Navagan Parida of Cuttack, Keshab Pradhan of Bargarh, Renu Minj of Sundargarh said, “Your help has helped us survive this crisis,” Construction workers from all 314 blocks participated in event through videoconferencing.