Centre plans ESIC, EPF benefits for construction workers

Bhubaneswar, Sep 20 (PTI) The central government isplanning to extend benefits under the ESIC and EPF forconstruction workers, while auto and cycle-rickshaw driversand Anganwadi and ASHA workers would get benefits of ESIC in aphased manner. This was revealed by Union Minister of Labour andEmployment Bandaru Dattatreya while addressing the inauguralsession of the National Conference on Labour. However, Dattatreya alleged that states are notutilising funds even after collecting huge amount towards cessfrom construction sector. "The money is deposited in the state while constructionworkers remained neglected and exploited," he said. Stating that the states already have Rs 27,886 crorewith them from the construction sector cess, he said only Rs5,800 crore have been spent by the states. "This means that Rs 22,086 crore remain unspent andlies in the treasuries of the state governments. This fundsshould be judiciously spent for the welfare of theconstruction workers allocated under the BOCW (Building andOther Construction Workers Act) of 1996," he said. Citing the instance of Odisha, the union minister saidthough the state government has Rs 940 crore deposits from theconstruction sector cess, the state has so far spent only Rs120 crore. He also expressed concern over ‘diversion’ of thewelfare funds meant for the construction workers. "It is seen in some states that funds are utilisedotherwise and not for the construction workers who have rightsover the cess amount. Though there is clear guideline forexpenditure of the funds, some states are giving bi-cycle toworkers which is not in the priority list," Dattatreya said. He said the cess amount for construction workersshould be utilised under four heads – health, education, skilldevelopment and social security including pension. But, thatis not happening in many states, the minister said. The Supreme Court has also raised question on unspentfunds collected as cess in construction sector, he said. As construction sector generates maximum employment,the Centre has been taking steps to ensure protection ofworkers rights, he said. "There are 44 laws for protection of the labourers. Theyshould be implemented properly," he said. Inaugurating the conference, Chief Minister NaveenPatnaik said, "Odisha has spent Rs 200 crore against Rs 1,000crore for welfare of construction workers and we plan to crossRs 500 crore this year." The conference was attended by labour ministers ofsix states – Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, Meghalaya, Jharkhandand Haryana. PTI AAM NNAJR