Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a hike in the ex-gratia for construction workers in case of any accidental death at their workplaces.

The state government has hiked the ex-gratia to Rs 6 lakh from the existing amount of Rs 4 lakh.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the hike in the ex-gratia at a convention of the construction workers in the capital city here today.

The state government will provide Rs 6 lakh as ex-gratia for construction workers for any accidental death during their employment, said the Chief Minister.

Besides, the state government will provide Rs 3 lakh as ex-gratia for construction workers for any natural death at their workplaces. Earlier, the ex-gratia amount was Rs 2 lakh, added the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister hailed the role of the construction workers in infrastructure and other sectors of the Indian economy.

“Construction workers play a key role in sectors like real estate, roads and highways and industry. They are making significant contribution to our economy,” said the Chief Minister.

The state government is committed to the welfare of construction workers. The government has formed the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board for this purpose, he added.

“All construction workers in Odisha should register themselves with the welfare board to avail various benefits from the state government,” said the Chief Minister.

Speaking on the occasion, Labour & ESI Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia said as many as 43 lakh construction workers in the state have registered themselves with the welfare board. The state government is trying its best to address the migrant labour issue in Odisha, he added.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja also spoke at the event. Among others, Labour & ESI department Principal Secretary Chitra Arumugam and Labour Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange were present on the occasion.