Qadian, August 18 (Zeeshan) – Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of workers by simplifying several schemes of the Labour Department. These changes aim to ensure that workers can easily access the benefits without unnecessary hurdles.
Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Chairman of the District Planning Board, Advocate Jagroop Singh Sekhwan, informed that under the Shagun Scheme of the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, the requirement of a marriage certificate issued by the Tehsildar has been removed. Instead, a photograph of the marriage ceremony at a religious place along with a self-declaration from both families will be sufficient. Under this scheme, the government provides financial assistance of ₹51,000.
He further added that under the Maternity Benefit Scheme, the government will now provide ₹21,000 to women construction workers and ₹5,000 to men upon submission of the child’s birth certificate. Earlier, it was mandatory to submit the child’s Aadhaar card, but this condition has now been removed.
Sekhwan also highlighted that under the Scholarship Scheme, the previous condition requiring two years of service has been abolished. Now, workers will be eligible for scholarship benefits right from the day they begin contributing.
Additionally, MGNREGA workers who have worked for more than 90 days are being encouraged to register with the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board so they can avail all related benefits.