CM Bhupendra Patel Lays Foundation for Shramik Basera in Ahmedabad

15,000 Construction Workers to Benefit from New Housing Scheme

Gandhinagar – Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has reaffirmed the Gujarat government's commitment to improving the living standards of unorganized sector workers, including those in the construction industry. Speaking at the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for Shramik Baseras in Ahmedabad, Patel highlighted the government's focus on providing food, health, housing, and economic stability to these workers.

The event, organized by the State Government’s Labor, Skill Development, and Employment Department, marked the beginning of construction for Shramik Baseras in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, and Rajkot. These facilities will benefit over 15,000 workers initially, with a total of 3 lakh workers expected to gain housing within three years at a cost of Rs 1500 crore.

Patel emphasized the government's responsibility to ensure the welfare of construction workers and those in the unorganized sector, who play a crucial role in the nation's development. He stated, "Providing comprehensive welfare for those who sweat for the progress of our country is a key duty of the government."

Labor and Employment Minister Balwant Singh Rajput, present at the function, stated that the government is continuously enhancing worker facilities. The Shramik Annapurna Yojana, providing hot and nutritious meals at just Rs 5, has already distributed food to over 2.54 crore workers. Additionally, the PM Shram Yogi Maan Dhan Yojana offers a monthly pension of Rs 3000 to workers over 60 who can no longer work.

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister distributed Rs 6.80 lakh in assistance to 28 lakh beneficiaries of various schemes from the Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board and Shram Yogi Welfare Board. He also launched the 'Shramik Basera Yojana' portal to ensure transparent operation and management of the housing scheme.

Dr. Anju Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Labor, Skill Development, and Employment Department, detailed the scheme's benefits, including rental accommodations at concessional rates for registered construction workers and their families. Children under six years old will stay rent-free. The facilities will include water, kitchens, electricity, fans, street lights, security, medical facilities, and crèches.

Prominent attendees at the event included MLAs of Ahmedabad, State Labor Commissioner Anupam Anand, Ahmedabad District Collector Praveena D.K., Director of Employment and Training Department Gargi Jain, and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation officials and councilors.