Congress: AAP govt attempting to stifle construction workers’ welfare board

New Delhi, July 6

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav accused the Kejriwal government of neglecting the welfare of construction workers under the Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, established by the Congress government in September 2002.

He criticised the current administration, stating, “The Kejriwal government is attempting to stifle the Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, which was set up to ensure the welfare, safety, security and healthcare of construction workers.”

He emphasised the board’s role in providing essential facilities and financial aid to workers during crucial life events such as weddings, births and deaths, along with pensions for widows and the disabled.

He pointed out that despite a substantial Workers’ Cess Fund exceeding Rs 4,200 crore, the pension amount has remained stagnant at Rs 3,000, contrary to a Delhi High Court directive. “Only 2,500 construction workers have benefited from the board’s welfare schemes over the past decade, despite there being 15 lakh registered workers eligible for various benefits,” Yadav added.

He highlighted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to the Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar Labour Camp, where he engaged with manual workers to understand their challenges firsthand. “Rahul joined the workers in manual tasks to experience their hardships directly,” Yadav mentioned. “He pledged to protect their rights and ensure they receive the entitled facilities.”

“Manual labourers are the backbone of our economy,” Yadav emphasised. “It is our mission to simplify their lives by providing them with necessary protections and facilities,” he said.

The Congress leader urged the Kejriwal government to streamline procedures and eliminate corruption in the distribution of pension and other benefits to construction workers, as mandated by the Delhi High Court.

Party promises support to displaced families

In a show of solidarity with displaced residents of Yamuna Khadar, a delegation of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee visited the area on Saturday to assess the situation and extend support to the affected families.

The Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) move to demolish nearly 250 homes in the locality is being criticised.

Led by former state president Anil Kumar and chairman of the communication department Anil Bhardwaj, the Congress delegation met with distraught residents to express solidarity and promise assistance. The delegation condemned the DDA’s actions, which it termed insensitive and detrimental to the welfare of the poor.

Anil Kumar said the Congress is committed to extending a helping hand to the affected families.

“It is appalling that the DDA, on the instructions of the Union Government, has demolished the homes of people in Yamuna Khadar. The Congress stands firmly with these families and will provide all necessary support. We demand immediate relief under the Rajiv Ratna Housing Scheme for those who have been displaced,” he added.

Criticising the government, Bhardwaj accused it of not fulfilling the promise of providing houses to slum dwellers. “Once the government had promised to build houses in slums areas, but, it is now demolishing their homes. This heartless action has impacted the lives of these families who have been residing here for years,” he said.

The Congress leaders assured the displaced residents that they would follow legal options, if necessary, to ensure justice and relief to them.