Insurance Scheme for Construction Workers
- a unique offer by Avas Mitra to the artisans of Lucknow

Translated from Hindi by Subroto Roy from the Awas Mitra Bulletin, April-May 1998

A unique scheme for artisans, master masons and other related construction workers has been launched for the first time in Uttar Pradesh by Awas Mitra, an apex  building centre with the help of United India Insurance Company.  This scheme was inaugurated by Mr. Lalji Tandon, Minister for Housing and City Development  by presenting a cheque on behalf of Awas Mitra to United India Insurance.  Mr. K.P. Srivastava, Secretary, Awas Mitra presided over the function. 

Artisans play a significant role in the overall development of the country.  It is a well known fact that after the agricultural work force, workers of the construction sector have the second largest share in terms of population.  It is however unfortunate that construction workers are highly disorganized.  Thus, this sector is deprived of the benefits enjoyed by the organised sectors. 

A mason or a worker is quite liable to meet an accident on job due to the working conditions.  They often suffer ill-fated accidents resulting in loss of limb or life due to fall from buildings, collapse of structures etc.  At this time they rarely have any one who can look after their dependents as they are usually daily wage workers.

To combat such situations Awas Mitra has developed the  framework for “ Abhinav Insurance Scheme”.  This scheme will be applicable to all the masons and artisans registered with AWAS MITRA.  All Building Centres associated with Awas Mitra and subsequently other Building Centres of Uttar Pradesh will be developed as places for networking and contacts for trained artisans and construction workers.  These centres will provide the benefits of organised sector to the workers.  At the same time, these centres will provide training to the artisans to upgrade their skills in cost-effective technologies. 

Under the Group Insurance Scheme, dependent family member of the affected artisan will receive Rs. 1,00,000/- and  Rs. 50,000/- upon demise of master mason and  artisan respectively.  In case the accident results in handicap of a nature that leads to loss of livelihood then too the complete insurance amount will be provided to the artisan.  In case of temporary or partial loss of livelihood to partial handicap, 50% of the insured amount will be provided to the artisans.

This is definitely a unique and laudable scheme initiated by Awas Mitra and should inspire other construction related organisations to follow suit.  q

For further information, please contact:

Secretary, AVAS MITRA

18/182, Indira Nagar

Lucknow-226 016, Uttar Pradesh, India

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