6.3 lakh people work in unorganised sector in Nagaland: Deputy CEO, NBOCWWB

NBOCWWB organises special registration & health screening camp for inter-state migrant workers

Morung Express News
Kohima | July 17

In Nagaland, the total number of people working in the unorganised sector is 6.3 lakh workers, highlighted by Er Vikeheto Naki, Assistant Labour Commissioner & Deputy CEO, NBOCWWB, citing data from survey carried out by the National Statistical Office (NSO) during the year 2017-18.

As per the survey, there were around 38 crore unorganised workers in India, constituting to around 4% of the total population of the country, he said. 

Naki was speaking during the Nagaland Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (NBOCWWB) special registration camp and health screening campfor inter-state migrant workers here today at the Smart City Hotel Construction Site.

He further highlighted that about 267629 migrant workers had migrated to Nagaland after 1963, citing a study by Nagaland University, Department of Economics published in 2015.

Stating that the migrant labourers were particularly affected by the COVID-19 nationwide lockdown, he remarked that the government was not able to do much for lack of data. 

However, recognising that “the migrant workers are the most vulnerable section of the society,” the NBOCWWB Deputy CEO, said that the Labour Department “plans to give priority to migrant workers during the current year 2024.”

Highlights of the special camp included registration of workers under e-Shram and NBOCWWB as well as sharing of information with various stakeholders for delivery of various social security and welfare schemes.

Naki said that the Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the problems faced by migrant labourers, and has further directed the Union Ministry of Labour & Employment to register all the unorganised workers (UW) in the country.

As a result, e-Shram portal, National Database for UW was created.

Low registration of migrant workers
As on March 31, 2024, only 2887 migrant workers were registered under e-Shram portal from Nagaland, constituting only 1.08% of migrant workers in the State. 

Further, less than 100 migrant workers are registered under NBOCWWB. 

In this regard, Naki urged all migrant workers in the State to register under the portal and come under the fold of the Labour Department.

He further informed that the NBOCWWB data will also be integrated with e-Shram data ‘very soon’ and noted that once workers are registered under the portal, the department can act upon accordingly to provide the social security scheme been implemented by the Board.

“e-SHRAM database will also be used by both Central and State Governments for tackling any National crises like COVID-19 in the future,” he added. 

With the Union Ministry already integrating e-Shram data with many social security schemes, Naki informed that the State labour department in collaboration with Food and Civil Supply Department had already issued 45 ration cards to the migrant workers registered under the portal in Nagaland. 

Registration under e-Shram is free and any unorganised workers aged between 16-59  having an Aadhaar card and bank account can either self-register via any mobile or computer or by visiting the nearest CSC centre, he said. 

Meanwhile, Naki underscored that “safety, health and environment enhance the well-being of the workers and society at large and has a positive impact on productivity and economic and social development.” 

Accordingly, he said the Medical department came to conduct the free medical camp.

He also urged the workers to demand Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from their contractors, noting that he observed some workers not wearing PPE at the worksite.

For any query or issue, he informed that workers can reach the Board without any hesitations on a toll free number—18003090407.

Contribution of construction workers significant
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant, who unveiled the Camp, told hundreds of migrant workers gathered that nation building rests on them while pointing to the unparalleled growth of infrastructure across the country. 

Reiterating that they are the actual nation builder, he remarked: “We are all contributing but their contribution is not insignificant.”

Having come all the way, leaving their families behind, he stated that many of them are not really aware of the Government of India or state welfare schemes. 

The DC, thus, urged them to avail the opportunity and not only get registered but also increase their knowledge and further share the information with their friends.

He noted that construction workers often change their phone numbers every few months for various reasons. 

Hence, he advised them to ensure their registered mobile number remains unchanged or promptly updated, as government schemes typically rely on a single mobile number for communication. 

Highlighting the inherent risks in construction activities, Ramnikant reminded workers to prioritise safety, emphasising the importance of considering their families’ well-being and to be an informed migrant labourer.

He also distributed mosquito nets to the migrant workers. 

During the camp, the migrant workers were also oriented with vector borne diseases by the Medical Department.