The ministry of labour and employment has written to all state governments urging them to include migrant workers, building workers, beedi workers, cine workers, non-coal mine workers, contract labourers, and other unorganised workers under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
This comes after the union cabinet recently approved the extension of the PMAY for an additional five years, from FY 2024-25 to 2028-29, with the aim of providing two crore additional houses to eligible beneficiaries, the ministry said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the ministry is of the view that these workers represent a disadvantaged section of society and ensuring their coverage under PMAY is not only a matter of social justice but also a necessary step towards improving their living conditions.
Further, the ministry also said that the management information system (MIS) portal, launched on 21st August 2024 for Building and Construction and Migrant Workers, is now fully operational.
“This will facilitate the collection and analysis of data including information on fund utilization and workers’ coverage under various central and state social security schemes, such as insurance, health benefits, and housing schemes,” it said.
“The centralized data management system will enable state governments and union territories to make informed decisions and develop more effective welfare policies tailored to the needs of these deprived workers,” it added.
Reiterating the importance of a concerted effort towards the upliftment of these marginalised workers, the ministry has also instructed welfare commissioners posted in various states to collaborate closely with local authorities to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives.
The ministry is undertaking regular review meetings at the regional levels, being held between August 30 and October 4, to follow-up on the initiatives and the progress made under each of them.
“This move is expected to significantly improve the lives of millions of workers, ensuring they receive the housing and social security benefits they rightfully deserve,” it added.
