Maharashtra Hikes Financial Aid and Pensions for Registered Construction Workers
The Maharashtra government has approved major revisions to four key welfare schemes for registered construction workers, significantly increasing financial assistance, pension benefits, and educational support across the state. Announced by Labour Minister Adv. Akash Fundkar, the reforms are aligned with the Social Security Code, 2020, to strengthen the financial well-being and social security of workers and their families.
Under the updated schemes, the government has increased the compensation provided to the families of registered construction workers. In the event of a natural death, families will now receive ₹3.5 lakh, while the compensation for accidental death has been raised to ₹6.5 lakh. Additionally, workers who suffer a permanent disability due to accidents or other causes are now eligible for a one-time assistance payment of ₹2 lakh.
The state government has also restructured its pension scheme for registered construction workers aged 60 years and above. To qualify, workers must have completed at least 10 years of continuous registration. Eligible beneficiaries will receive an annual pension ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000, which will be credited directly to their bank accounts, depending on the duration of their registration.
Educational support for the children of registered workers has been expanded under the revised guidelines. Students pursuing medical degrees will receive ₹1 lakh in financial assistance, while those enrolled in engineering degrees will get ₹60,000. The government will also reimburse the full tuition fees for students studying in Sainik Schools under the Ministry of Defence, and provide annual financial aid to those in other recognised Sainik Schools.
Furthermore, the educational scheme now covers students pursuing postgraduate studies and PhD programmes abroad, with tuition fees and admissible allowances paid directly to foreign universities in accordance with Central government norms. Financial assistance has also been increased for students passing Classes 9 and 11, and free educational kits will be distributed to the first two children of workers studying in Classes 1 to 8.
A new maternity benefit has been introduced under the revisions. Registered women construction workers will receive a one-time grant of ₹25,000 for nutrition and medical expenses following childbirth. This grant is applicable for their first two children.
Labour Minister Fundkar stated that these revised welfare measures are designed to provide robust financial and social security to lakhs of construction worker families throughout Maharashtra.
