Nitish Kumar Transfers Rs 802 Crore To 16.4 Lakh Workers On Vishwakarma Puja

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the direct transfer of approximately Rs 802 crore to the bank accounts of 16.4 lakh registered construction workers under the state's Annual Clothing Assistance Scheme, coinciding with Vishwakarma Puja and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 75th birthday.

The festival, dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma—the Hindu deity revered as the divine architect and patron of artisans and labourers—holds special significance for blue-collar workers, symbolising gratitude for their skills and contributions to nation-building. Kumar's initiative, implemented through the Bihar Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, aims to provide financial aid for essential needs like clothing and household items, reinforcing the government's commitment to labour welfare.

The scheme, part of Bihar's broader efforts to support its vast informal workforce, benefits over 1.64 million workers who have registered with the board established under the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996. Each eligible beneficiary receives Rs 500 annually, totalling Rs 802.46 crore for this cycle.

This marks the 10th such disbursement since the scheme's inception in 2015, reflecting Kumar's administration's focus on inclusive development in a state where construction employs millions amid rapid urbanisation and infrastructure projects like the Patna Metro and Ganga bridges. The timing aligns with the festival's emphasis on tools and craftsmanship, celebrated across Bihar with pujas in workshops and factories.

In addition to the fund transfer, Kumar launched a web portal for the 'Mukhyamantri Pratigya Yojna', a flagship programme promising enhanced welfare measures for workers, including health insurance, education aid, and skill training.

Addressing the occasion via a post on X, Kumar praised Modi's tireless dedication to national upliftment, calling the convergence of events a "happy coincidence". He reiterated the government's resolve to integrate marginalised sections into the mainstream, acknowledging workers' "invaluable" role in Bihar's progress across sectors like agriculture, industry, and infrastructure.

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With Bihar Assembly elections slated for October-November 2025, the announcement carries political weight, as Kumar's Janata Dal (United) seeks to consolidate support among the working class in alliance with the BJP-led NDA. Critics, including the opposition RJD, have questioned the scheme's reach, noting only 30% of Bihar's estimated 5 million construction workers are registered.

Nonetheless, the move underscores ongoing efforts to address labour vulnerabilities in one of India's poorest states, where migration and low wages remain persistent challenges.

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