The inaugural programme of the Awareness Campaign and Field Registration of building and other construction workers in the Census Town of Kohima Village and its Urban Suburbs was held at the Kohima Village Council Hall, Kohima village on 13th December 2022. It was organized by the Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board (NBOCWWB), under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, and also Chairman of NBOCWWB, Dr. Kekhrie Yhome.
Delivering the welcome address, Helievio Solo, Chairman, Kohima Village Council said that it is a privilege for Kohima village to enjoy the benefits of the scheme which is being brought to their doorsteps. Adding that this programme is for the poor and underprivileged, he appealed to the villagers to register under this scheme as this will be beneficial in the long run.
Highlighting the NBOCWWB, Dr. Kekhrie Yhome, Chairman, NBOCWWB said that they have gone to different parts of the State for registering workers, and in the process, have encountered instances where many people showed their enthusiasm by coming early and waiting to get their names registered, citing Seyochung as an example. He lamented that nearer home, there is a lack of awareness and interest, and appealed to the people to come forward for registration.
Dr. Yhome thanked the Village Council for creating awareness about the programme. He also explained about the CMHIS, launched in October 2022 in Nagaland, and stated that the scheme is not just for government employees but the benefits can be availed by the general public as well. He informed that a registered worker is also eligible for benefits provided under Ayushman Bharat scheme, where one can avail Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for medical treatment, and highlighted the importance of naming an adult family member as a nominee instead of a child to avoid difficulties in claiming the benefits. He said that the Welfare Board has been in existence for almost 10 years, and expressed hope that more awareness and information will be disseminated so that the percentage of registration of workers increase in the days to come.
The programme was chaired by Zaremo Kikon, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Kohima. The invocation was pronounced by Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachü, Pastor, Khedi Baptist Kehou, and a vote of thanks was delivered by Kahie Kesiezie, President, NDPP, 10 - Northern Angami - 1 AC. A special song was presented by Virie Solo and Mengu-ü Suokhrie.
The NBOCWWB provides benefits and schemes such as Tool Grant, Insurance Coverage, Medical Assistance, Education Scholarship, Maternity Benefits. To avail of the scheme, one has to be (1) Workers engaged in building and other construction workers (e.g. Mason, Plumber, Carpenter, Electrician, Painter, Driver, Operator, and Helper of construction machinery, etc. (2) Workers above 18 years and below 60 years. On verification and approval of membership by the competent authority, a beneficiary is registered and issued Identity Card and Unique Registration Number. Welfare benefits involving money are all direct beneficiary transfers and there are no cash hand-outs. One can download or collect Application Form XXVII and submit it to the designated district-level Assistant Labour Commissioner Office or NBOCWWB Office or its Field Administrative Officer(s).
(Mhonlumi APRO & Nouneseno IA)
