Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today transferred Rs 802.46 crore to the accounts of more than 16 lakh registered construction workers under the Bihar Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. The payment, delivered remotely via video conferencing, provides Rs 5,000 per worker under the upgraded Annual Clothing Assistance Scheme, doubling the previous amount of Rs 2,500.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the web portal for the state’s “Chief Minister’s Pledge Scheme” (Pratigya Yojana), aimed at offering structured internships to youth across the manufacturing and service sectors. The initiative plans to provide 5,000 opportunities in the 2025–26 financial year, with a goal of 20,000 annually over the next five years, eventually reaching 105,000 young people.
Speaking at the event, CM Nitish said: “Our working brothers and sisters have made an incomparable contribution to the state’s progress. The government is continuously working for their development. I congratulate the Labor Resources Department for organising today’s programme and extend my best wishes to all workers.” He also urged the department to launch a campaign to register remaining workers and ensure they receive benefits under the scheme.
The Annual Clothing Assistance Scheme, launched in 2020, provides financial support to eligible and registered construction workers under the Bihar Building and Other Construction Workers Rules, 2016. The scheme’s recent enhancement to Rs 5,000 per worker marks a significant increase in assistance.
The newly launched digital platform for the Pratigya Yojana aims to bridge the gap between youth and industry, offering practical experience, financial support, and employment opportunities. The portal enables both employers and young jobseekers to register, creating a streamlined process for internship placement and skill development.
