Sri Vijaya Puram, April 30: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has approved ₹10.59 lakh for disbursal to 56 registered workers, strengthening social security support for construction labourers in the Union Territory.
The decision was taken during the 33rd meeting of the Board held at the Office of the Labour Commissioner in Sri Vijaya Puram. The meeting was chaired by Labour and Employment Secretary L. Kumar and attended by representatives of the Central Government, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, employers and trade unions.
The approved funds will be released under multiple welfare schemes, including pension benefits, maternity assistance, medical aid and death assistance. Officials said the financial support will be transferred directly to beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to ensure transparency and efficiency.
During the meeting, members reviewed key issues related to extending social security coverage to registered construction workers across the islands. The chair highlighted the need for timely delivery of benefits and called for improved implementation of welfare measures for eligible workers.
A major focus of the discussion was the need to expand awareness among workers engaged at construction sites, many of whom remain outside the formal registration system. Authorities stressed that wider enrolment is critical to ensure that all eligible workers can access welfare schemes offered by the Board.
Officials said outreach efforts must be strengthened to inform workers about available benefits and the process of registration. The Board noted that inclusion of unregistered workers remains a key challenge in achieving full coverage under welfare programmes.
The Board, established in 2009, functions to provide social security and welfare assistance to building and other construction workers in the islands. It currently implements nine welfare schemes covering various forms of financial and social assistance.
Since its inception, the Board has disbursed ₹36.66 crore to registered beneficiaries under different schemes, reflecting its role in supporting the labour workforce in the construction sector.
The latest approvals mark a continuation of efforts to ensure financial support reaches workers in need, particularly those facing health, maternity or family-related contingencies.
Officials indicated that improving delivery mechanisms and expanding the beneficiary base remain priorities for the Board moving forward. The use of DBT is expected to streamline payments and reduce delays in disbursal.
The meeting concluded with a renewed focus on strengthening welfare outreach and ensuring that social security benefits reach all eligible construction workers across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
