Shillong : In a major boost for labour welfare, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday launched the CM-LIGHT (Chief Minister’s Labour Income Grant and Health Transformation) scheme, announcing a direct benefit transfer of ₹5,000 each to more than 11,000 registered construction workers across the state.
The announcement was made during the celebration of International Workers’ Day, organized by the Office of the Labour Commissioner along with the Meghalaya Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
Under the scheme, the financial assistance is being disbursed from the labour cess fund, which has accumulated nearly ₹400 crore through a one percent cess collected from infrastructure projects exceeding ₹10 lakh.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized that Meghalaya’s economic growth is directly linked to the welfare of its workers. He stated that the state is currently among the fastest-growing economies in the country, maintaining a consistent growth rate of around 10 percent.
Highlighting ongoing development, Sangma revealed that infrastructure projects worth ₹29,000 crore are currently underway across Meghalaya. These projects, numbering nearly 5,000, have already generated approximately 20,000 new jobs for the people.
He also pointed out that Meghalaya offers one of the highest wage rates for unskilled labour in India. Workers in the state receive ₹525 per day, making it the highest in the Northeast and the third highest in the country after Karnataka and Goa.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government’s priority is to ensure that economic growth translates into real benefits for citizens. According to him, the CM-LIGHT scheme is a step in that direction, ensuring that labourers directly benefit from the state’s development.
Apart from the new scheme, Sangma highlighted several welfare measures available to registered workers. These include financial assistance for education ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹14,300, marriage assistance up to ₹8,000, maternity benefits of ₹10,000, pension support, funeral assistance, and medical aid up to ₹10,000. Additionally, workers are covered by ₹2 lakh life insurance and ₹2 lakh accident insurance.
In a significant move to support education, the government will also allocate funds from the labour cess to 12 schools across the state. Each school will receive around ₹50 lakh for infrastructure development. However, a mandatory condition requires that five percent of admissions be reserved for children of registered workers, who will receive free education without tuition fees.
Defending the government’s development agenda, Sangma stated that while infrastructure growth is important, ensuring inclusive development remains the top priority. He stressed that no citizen should be left behind in the state’s progress.
The Chief Minister also urged the Labour Department to intensify awareness campaigns, noting that a large number of workers in Meghalaya are still not registered and therefore unable to avail benefits under such schemes.
He concluded by acknowledging the contribution of workers, stating that their hard work and dedication are the driving force behind Meghalaya’s growth and development.