The J&K Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (JKBOCWB) in Kulgam has breathed a new life within the labor community of the district. Through meticulously designed schemes, this department has facilitated a positive shift in the lives of these hardworking individuals.
In the realm of the Labour Department, Kulgam has witnessed a remarkable transformation among its deserving populace. Beneficiaries of the Labour card are benefiting from well-crafted schemes seamlessly, without encountering any hindrances.
Digital Transformation and Welfare Enhancement
The Labour Department has achieved noteworthy milestones in recent years, with a standout accomplishment being its successful transition to a comprehensive digitized platform. This shift has streamlined access to various departmental schemes, eliminating previous inconveniences. Furthermore, the introduction of a mechanism for public feedback promotes transparency in the department’s operations.
The Labour Department’s commitment to education is demonstrated through the Education Assistance program. The department also extends support through initiatives like Chronic Disease Assistance, catering to individuals with medical needs. Another crucial area is the provision of Temporary/Permanent Disability Assistance, showcasing the department’s dedication to assisting those facing medical challenges.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Labour Department demonstrated resilience by offering substantial Covid 19 Assistance to registered individuals.
The department’s commitment to empowering workers is evident through a range of welfare schemes, including Education Assistance, Chronic Disease Assistance, Death Cum Funeral Assistance, and Immediate Assistance in cases of Temporary/Permanent Medical injury/disability.
Sareer Ahmad from Devsar, a parent of two children, effortlessly receives educational support from the mentioned department. This assistance significantly aids him in ensuring the proper education and well-being of his children who are enrolled in local schools.
“We are fortunate to have a very compassionate officer leading the Labour Department in Kulgam. He has effectively raised awareness and ensured that deserving parents promptly receive the necessary support for their children,” Ahmad said.
Rayees Ahmad from Kulgam, a student, highlighted the impact of educational assistance on his undergraduate studies.
“Throughout my academic journey, I received education assistance from the Labour Department seamlessly. Notably, during my undergraduate studies, the assistance of 15,000 INR every year played a pivotal role in making education easily accessible,” he said.
He also noted the introduction of online services that simplified the application process and facilitated real-time monitoring of application statuses.
An official said that a son of a carpenter and a mason, currently pursuing professional courses – MBBS in the 3rd year and B.Tech in the 1st year respectively – have both received Assistance for Higher Education studies, amounting to Rs 50,000 each. Additionally, in the year 2023, two labourers registered with the department passed away, and their dependents received an amount of Rs 2 lakh each in Kulgam.
Kulgam’s Labour Department Marks Notable Achievements in 2021-22 and 2022-23
The Labour Department in Kulgam has made significant strides in accomplishing its objectives during the years 2021-22 and 2022-23. These achievements underscore the department’s commitment to providing essential support and assistance to various segments of the local population.
In the past year, the Labour Department extended Education Assistance to a commendable count of 5,831 beneficiaries. The financial aid, amounting to a substantial sum of 5.33 crore rupees, was directly disbursed into beneficiaries’ accounts, enhancing their access to education and future opportunities. Building on this success, the 2022-23 witnessed an impressive escalation, with a total of 12,827 beneficiaries benefiting from the program, alongside a remarkable disbursement of 10.40 crore rupees.
The department’s role in alleviating financial burdens during times of bereavement becomes apparent as it provided Death Cum Funeral Assistance to 13 beneficiaries in the 2021-22. This invaluable support was extended to nine beneficiaries in the 2022-23, with a total disbursement of 18.45 lakh rupees. This demonstrates the department’s sensitivity toward aiding families during their times of need.
Recognizing the pressing challenges posed by chronic diseases, the Labour Department extended assistance to 11 beneficiaries this year. The financial support, totalling Rs 2.13 Lakh, has been instrumental in alleviating the burden associated with chronic medical conditions. Furthermore, Temporary or Permanent Medical Assistance was provided to five individuals, offering a lifeline of Rs 97,500 in times of medical exigency.
Amidst the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Labour Department has been at the forefront of providing crucial assistance. A resounding testament to this commitment is the extensive Covid19 assistance rendered to 20,181 registered beneficiaries. The financial support, amounting to an impressive sum of Rs 4.03 crore reflects the department’s unwavering dedication to supporting the community during times of crisis.
These remarkable statistics underscore the Kulgam Labour Department’s pivotal role in serving the local population through a range of assistance programs.
Dr Adnan Khawaja (JKAS), Assistant Labour Commissioner (ALC), Kulgam, highlighted the positive impact of the online transformation. He said that this transition has significantly enhanced transparency, enabling beneficiaries to offer their feedback. This mechanism ensures that any obstacles or concerns are addressed promptly.
“We have made diligent efforts to extend government schemes to deserving families. The directives from the Deputy Commissioner and the Labour Department have consistently emphasized our commitment to monitor community concerns closely. Our objective is to ensure that the public effortlessly access the benefits of government initiatives,” Khawja said.
He said that awareness programs are regularly conducted to assist the community in accessing the benefits of the schemes. These programs play a crucial role in reaching a wide audience and informing them about the various available schemes.
