Dikchu hydel workers briefed on laws and provided welfare benefits

MANGAN, 24 Feb:  The workers engaged with the 96 MW Dikchu Hydel Project were briefed on Implementation of Building & Other Construction Welfare (RECS) Act 1996 and distribution of Welfare Benefits to  Registered Beneficiary workers in a function held here at powerhouse site at Dikchu today.   The workers are engaged with the project developers Sneha Kinetic Power Project Ltd. (SKPPL) and Drillcon Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. The function was organized by the Labour Department and was chaired by Project Manager, Drillcon Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd, RB Gupta.
The Deputy Commissioner Labour, KR Limboo while delivering his welcome speech highlighted about the welfare of labour and informed that the workers who work continuously for three months or more in a particular establishment may obtain the relevant forms from Labour department for registration of workers and beneficiary after deposition of required fee as per the Rules.   He also informed about the safety measures of the workers at the work site.
Deputy Commissioner Labour, DS Kunwar informed that the contractors have to pay 1% Cess to the department informing that this Cess, notified in September 2010, goes towards funds to be utilized for the welfare of the workers.    He further informed that the registered beneficiaries will be covered with policy of Rs. 1 lakh under personal accident policy in case of accidental death and also informed that the beneficiaries will get other welfare facilities based in their need like medicine, injury compensation etc.
The Deputy Commissioner further stressed on every labourer to know their rights and duties and discipline as well which is very essential.  He urged them to work in coordination amongst themselves and the management further informed about the importance of the registration with the department.  The Deputy Commissioner further informed about the pension scheme for workers after 60 years under this Act and informed that the mandatory age of the workers should in between 18-60 years.  He further informed that workers should be paid double for the over time work as per the norms.
The different queries and doubt raised by the workers were addressed by the Deputy Commissioner and further directed the project developer to coordinate with the workers in case if there is any help to be extended from the management.  
Also on the day, the labourers were provided blankets and hot cases from the department.
The chief guest in his speech informed that awareness is very important for the workers and extended his gratitude to the department for such a fruitful function.
The function was also attended by Manager Civil SKPPL, RK Singh, Project Coordinator, Jigmee Tongden Lepcha, workers and the officials from the department.  The function concluded with the vote of thanks being delivered by Labour Inspector, Tashi Pintso Bhutia.