The Yimkhiung Tribal Council on Friday felicitated Yimso Yimchunger, the newly appointed chairman of the Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board.
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KOHIMA — The Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) on Friday felicitated Yimso Yimchunger, the newly appointed chairman of the Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (NBOCWWB), under the Department of Labour.
The programme was held at the Commissioner’s Guest House, Kohima.
Addressing the event, Yimso Yimchunger expressed his gratitude to the YTC for organising the felicitation programme and thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for believing in him and entrusting him with the role of chairman of NBOCWWB.
He stated that his responsibility lies particularly in ensuring the welfare of labourers in the state, especially those from Eastern Nagaland. He pointed out that a large number of workers in the state remain unregistered and not aware of the welfare schemes offered by the board.
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Highlighting the various schemes under the NBOCWWB, he said that earlier the board provided scholarships for children (Class A to 10) of those registered construction workers. However, under the present tenure, this has been enhanced from Class A to 12, wherein each student will get a monthly scholarship of INR 500 per month and two students of a worker are eligible to receive the scholarship.
He further informed that the one-time annual grant for beneficiaries has been increased from INR 2,000 to INR 3,000. The board has also revised the “medical assistance” scheme to “loss of earning compensation,” under which each registered beneficiary can receive up to INR 30,000 per financial year.
The new chairman also encouraged the school dropouts and youths to take advantage of these schemes, and urged Naga youth to take up jobs often occupied by migrant workers from outside the state.
Meanwhile, Chubayanger, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NBOCWWB, noted that the board had functioned without a chairman for more than two years.
He highlighted that most construction workers in Nagaland are from eastern regions, showing strong interest in their trades, and stressed the need to focus on registering, training, and providing facilities for these workers.
He said the induction of a chairman from the Yimkhiung tribe was a welcome move and expressed hope that the board’s vision for eastern Nagaland would be further strengthened.
Regarding enhancements in member benefits, the CEO informed that the Board has revised several schemes for greater impact. He said while a pension scheme cannot be provided due to limited state resources, the Board has introduced a gratuity scheme.
“Our scheme covers beneficiaries up to 60 years of age. Those who people complete 60 years, depending on the number of years they were registered with us, will now receive a gratuity so that they have something to take home,” he added.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by David H Yimkhiung, executive committee member, YTC. The invocation prayer was pronounced by Rachel, associate pastor (Women), YBBK, and the welcome address was delivered by H Hanji, acting president of YTC.
Among others, the programme was attended by Shihlemthong, Advisor, YTC; S Kiusumew, Advisor for Fire & Emergency Services; and S Keoshu, Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports.