Hydel workers briefed on welfare rights

MANGAN, 23 Jan:  The Department of Labour, North District today conducted a programme on Implementation of Building & Other Construction Welfare (RECS) Act 1996 and distribution of Welfare Benefits to Registered Beneficiary workers in North Sikkim here at the power house site at 1200 MW Teesta Stage III H/E Project at Ringdang in North Sikkim.  The function was chaired by SDM Mangan, PW Lepcha as the chief guest.
The Deputy Commissioner Labour, KR Limboo highlighted about the welfare of labourers and informed that workers who work continuously for three months or more in a particular establishment may obtain the relevant forms from the Labour department for registration of workers and beneficiary after deposition of required fee as per the Rules.  He also informed that the contractors have to pay 1% cess to the department mentioning that this Cess, notified in September 2010, goes towards funds to be utilized for the welfare of the workers.
The Deputy Commissioner further informed that a total of 307 laborers have been registered with the Department which covers the life insurance of Rs. 1 lakh.  Apart from it, the beneficiaries will get welfare facilities based on their needs like medicine, injury compensation, death compensation etc.
He further informed that the seven labourers who died in the18 September earthquake will be provided with compensation of Rs. 1 lakh each.  The Deputy Commissioner further highlighted about the establishment of three recreation centres for labourers at Singhik, Chunthang and Theng with facilities like 48-inch television, carom board, volley ball etc.
The chief guest while addressing the workers said that they should know about this Act and about the benefits for which he urged them to be in touch with the department.  He also informed about the importance of registration with the department.
A total of 307 registered labourers were provided with one blanket and one hot case each from the department on the day.