The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has intensified its grassroots outreach this month, conducting a series of awareness-cum-registration camps aimed at strengthening social security coverage for one of the most vulnerable segments of the workforce. Over seven camps held between November 1 and 8, construction workers from Gram Panchayat Sippighat, Gram Panchayat Guptapara and surrounding worksites participated enthusiastically, reflecting a growing interest in understanding and accessing welfare entitlements designed specifically for their sector.
The Welfare Board, mandated to safeguard the interests of construction workers across the Islands, used these camps to bridge the information gap and ensure that workers are well informed about the benefits available to them under existing schemes. Officials interacted with workers at length, detailing eligibility norms for registration, documentation requirements, and the range of support provided under the Board’s welfare programs. The initiative comes at a time when many unorganised-sector workers continue to remain outside the formal welfare net due to lack of information, irregular work patterns and frequent mobility between worksites.
At each camp, officials explained how workers could register themselves with the Welfare Board to become eligible for assistance covering healthcare, education, maternity support, accident relief, pension schemes and other provisions created to supplement the income of daily-wage labourers. Such benefits often remain underutilised due to challenges in awareness and access, making targeted community-level outreach crucial for improving participation.
The presence of workers from multiple nearby construction sites underscored the importance of conducting camps within close proximity to where labourers live and work. For many workers, travelling long distances to government offices during working hours is impractical, resulting in delayed or incomplete registrations. By taking welfare services directly to the worksites and Panchayat areas, the Board aimed to ensure that workers could be guided in a timely and accessible manner.
The camps also served as a platform for workers to seek clarifications about specific welfare schemes, discuss issues regarding documentation, and understand the long-term advantages of remaining enrolled with the Board. Officials encouraged workers to maintain updated records so they can benefit from assistance during emergencies or periods of financial stress. Such direct engagement helps build trust among workers who may otherwise hesitate to approach government offices.
Alongside registration guidance, the Board’s officials reiterated the importance of ensuring that workers are aware of their rights, safety norms and entitlements as part of a wider effort to improve working conditions in the construction sector. The need for regular awareness drives remains pressing, given the transient nature of construction employment and the continuous addition of new workers to the labour force, many of whom are unaware of the welfare infrastructure available to them.
The response to the camps has been encouraging, with a noticeable rise in inquiries and registration attempts from workers across the two Panchayats. Officials noted that expanding awareness is critical to ensuring that welfare schemes fulfill their objectives, particularly in regions where construction activity continues to generate steady employment.
As the Board evaluates the outcomes of these camps, more such initiatives are expected in other parts of the Islands to ensure wider coverage. Ensuring that construction workers have access to welfare schemes not only improves their socio-economic security but also contributes to building a more resilient and supported workforce in the Union Territory.
By carrying forward such outreach initiatives, the Welfare Board aims to narrow the gap between policy and implementation, ensuring that workers who build the Islands’ infrastructure are themselves supported with comprehensive welfare measures.
