The Gujarat government has a special scheme to help families of construction workers. This scheme is called the Antyesthi Sahay Yojana. It was started in 2008 by former Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The aim is to provide financial support to families when a construction worker dies unexpectedly. Initially, the scheme offered ₹2,000 to the families. However, under the leadership of current Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the assistance amount has increased to ₹10,000.
The Antyesthi Sahay Yojana is designed for construction workers who work in high-risk jobs. If a worker dies suddenly, their family receives ₹10,000 to help them during this difficult time. Over the past 10 years, the government has provided ₹86.86 lakh to 1,307 families through this scheme.
The name of the scheme, ‘Antyesthi’, means ‘last rites’. It shows that the Gujarat government stands by construction workers even in their final moments. Any construction worker registered with the Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board can benefit from this scheme.
Currently, more than 12 lakh construction workers are registered with the board. If a worker aged between 18 and 60 dies during their membership, their family can apply for the assistance within six months on the sanman.gujarat.gov.in portal.
The assistance amount has seen a steady increase since 2008. When the scheme was first introduced, the assistance was ₹2,000. In 2015-16, it increased to ₹5,000. Later, in May 2020, the amount was raised to ₹7,000, and in April 2022, it was further increased to ₹10,000. This rise in assistance reflects the government’s commitment to support construction workers and their families.
In the first five years from 2015-16 to 2019-20, a total of ₹30.22 lakh was distributed to families. However, in the last four years, from 2020-21 to 2024-25, the amount distributed has dramatically increased to ₹56.64 lakh. This shows that more families are receiving help as the assistance amount has risen.
The Antyesthi Sahay Yojana is managed by the Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. Many families have benefitted from this scheme, showing the government’s dedication to the welfare of construction workers. The scheme aims to ease the financial burden on families during their time of grief, ensuring they have some support in their toughest moments.
Gujarat has taken significant steps to ensure the safety and welfare of its construction workers. This scheme is just one example of how the state is committed to protecting those who work in dangerous jobs. The Antyesthi Sahay Yojana provides not only financial help but also demonstrates the state’s solidarity with workers and their families.
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