Govt reaffirms commitment to unorganised workers’ welfare in AP: Labour minister

Vijayawada: Labour minister Vasamsetti Subhash on Monday asserted in the assembly that the coalition govt led by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is firmly committed to the welfare of unorganised workers across the state.Replying to a question raised by MLA Dr Valmiki Partha Sarathi, the minister said a total of 88,16,453 unorganised workers registered their details on the e-Shram portal. In addition, 18, 24, 221 workers enrolled on the Andhra Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board portal. He said the govt is taking comprehensive measures to strengthen social security and financial protection for workers in the unorganised sector. He said the previous YSRCP regime stopped all welfare schemes for unorganised workers, leaving workers in distress. He, however, said that welfare schemes were revived after Naidu returned to power.Subhash noted that the registration drive is being intensified across the state to ensure that every eligible worker is brought under the welfare net. Several welfare schemes are being implemented to enhance economic stability and provide social security to workers and their families, he said.The minister highlighted that free medical services and periodic health check-ups are being provided to unorganised workers. Financial assistance of Rs 20,000 is extended as a maternity benefit, Rs 40,000 as a marriage gift, and Rs 60,000 in the case of natural death. Immediate assistance of Rs 20,000 is also provided towards funeral expenses. Scholarships are being offered to children of construction workers studying from Class 1 to Class 12, he added.Subhash further said that the welfare board is organising special skill development training programmes to enhance the skills of building and construction workers and improve their employment opportunities. As construction workers are engaged in various works in both government and private buildings, efforts are being made to collect comprehensive data to ensure better implementation of welfare measures. The minister said the administration remains dedicated to safeguarding not only the welfare of unorganised workers but also the security and well-being of their families.