BoD approves Rs. 219.46 crore budget to enhance welfare initiatives for construction workers

The 48th Board of Directors meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCW) was convened here which was presided over by the Chairman of the Board Nardev Singh Kanwar.

The Board approved an annual budget of Rs. 219.46 crore for the financial year 2025-26 to enhance the welfare initiatives for construction workers across Himachal Pradesh. A substantial allocation of Rs. 160 crore has been earmarked for various social welfare schemes aimed at improving the well-being of BOCW beneficiaries.

Besides, a provision of Rs. 35 crore was made for establishment of a day boarding school in Dehra in Kangra district, ensuring access to quality education for the children of construction workers.

The Chairman emphasized skill training programmes to enhance the employability of beneficiaries and facilitate better livelihood opportunities. A decision was also taken to digitize all beneficiary records to streamline processes and improve service delivery. Under Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives, the Board approved awareness and outreach programmes to inform workers about their entitlements under various welfare schemes. As a part of infrastructure development initiative, the renovation of office accommodation at Hamirpur was sanctioned by the Board to enhance administrative efficiency.

Nardev Singh Kanwar expressed gratitude to all attendees for their valuable contributions and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to the welfare and upliftment of construction workers in the state.

The Board Members Ravinder Singh Ravi, Bhupender Singh, J.C. Chauhan, Hema Tanwar, Rajiv Kumar, Munish Karol, Jyoti Chauhan, Amar Singh, Naresh Chauhan and Neelam Gupta were present in the meeting.