Gujarat: Funds for construction workers to be used wisely
Vipul Pandya of Bandhkam Mazdoor Sangathan said the way in which the funds were being used was incorrect and would give rise to corruption.
Despite the Construction Workers' Welfare Board in the state collecting Rs 2,100 crore funds, only Rs 121 crore has been allegedly used for the welfare of construction workers. Vipul Pandya of Bandhkam Mazdoor Sangathan said the way in which the funds were being used was incorrect and would give rise to corruption.
"Compensation of workers, help for pregnant labourers et cetera are some of the ways in which the funds could have been used. But a look a the way the funds are being spent shows that the priorities are not right. So far, only Rs1.4 crore has been used to help pregnant women labourers," said Pandya. He added that the board was giving contract companies funds to build temporary labourer colonies when in fact it is the duty of the companies to provide the accommodation. "Why should board pay for the colonies. It can be used for the workers in some other way," said Pandya. He said the proposal to merge Building and Other Construction Workers Act under the common Social Services Code being proposed is a regressive step.