E-rickshaws, maternity grants & scholarships reshape working families

Bhilai: Durg district is witnessing a socio-economic transformation among its working class through the effective implementation of welfare schemes by the Chhattisgarh Labour Department. Over the past two and a half years, direct financial assistance amounting to Rs 59.19 crore has been transferred to 26,551 eligible workers, supporting livelihood security, healthcare, housing, and education.

Under the Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, diverse schemes have empowered local families. The Minimata Mahtari Jatan Scheme provided maternity financial aid of Rs 20,000 each to 8,979 female construction workers, while 6,292 daughters benefited from the Mukhyamantri Noni Sashaktikaran Yojana. Additionally, 64 women received up to Rs 1,50,000 each under the Didi E-Rickshaw scheme, and 71 workers obtained Rs 1.5 lakh grants to construct pucca houses. Education incentives and free coaching reached roughly 3,000 workers’ children, including merit scholarships for top performers.

Parallelly, the Unorganized Workers State Social Security Board extended critical safety nets, benefiting 5,586 mothers through nutrition support and granting relief to 917 families facing disability or bereavement. Sanitation workers, domestic helps, and senior citizens were also provided targeted tool kits, maternity benefits, and pensions. Officials urged unregistered labourers to register via local Choice Centers or district labour offices to secure these welfare entitlements.