Shillong: The Meghalaya govt launched several welfare measures for construction workers in the state in observance of May Day on Friday.“We recognize the hands that build our homes, our roads, and our future. We are happy to mark this day with the launch of a series of transformative welfare initiatives for our construction workers, honoring their invaluable contributions to the development of Meghalaya,” CM Conrad K Sangma said after formally launching the initiatives at a function at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, State Central Library here.The launches included ‘CM LIGHT’ of Rs 5,000 direct benefit support to eligible workers, Startup Toolkit Support Scheme to empower skilled workers with tools for self-employment and ‘ENABLE’ scheme to strengthen education access for workers’ children with reserved seats and full fee waivers.The welfare schemes also included ‘BUILD’, under which investment will be made in community infrastructure in worker-populated areas, ‘Digital Labour Chowk App’ – a one-stop platform for access to schemes and job opportunities and extension of central social security schemes (PM-SYM, PMJJBY & PMSBY) with premiums borne by the Board.“These initiatives reaffirm our commitment to social security, dignity of labour, and inclusive growth, ensuring that every worker and their family moves forward with security and opportunity,” the CM underscored.He also highlighted that Meghalaya offers one of the highest wage rates for unskilled workers in India at Rs 525 per day, which is also the highest in the North East.
