Shillong, May 1: Conrad K. Sangma on May 1 rolled out a series of welfare initiatives for construction workers across Meghalaya on the occasion of International Workers’ Day, underscoring the state government’s focus on labour welfare, social security and inclusive growth.
The newly introduced measures are aimed at providing comprehensive support to workers and their families through direct financial assistance, access to education, promotion of self-employment and improved delivery of welfare services. Among the schemes is CM LIGHT, which provides eligible workers with a direct benefit transfer of Rs 5,000.
To encourage entrepreneurship, the government has also launched the Startup Toolkit Support Scheme, enabling skilled workers to access essential tools required to start independent livelihoods. In the education sector, the ENABLE initiative offers reserved seats along with full fee waivers for children of eligible workers, while the BUILD programme seeks to strengthen community infrastructure in labour-dominated areas.
In a push towards digital inclusion, the Chief Minister unveiled the Digital Labour Chowk App, designed as a unified platform through which workers can access government schemes, employment opportunities and related services.
The state has also extended key central social security programmes, including Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, to construction workers, with premium payments to be covered by the Welfare Board.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma said the initiatives recognise the critical role played by workers in building infrastructure and shaping the state’s future, while aiming to ensure dignity, financial security and equal opportunities for labourers and their families.
