Govt, realty sector help workers cope with second Covid wave

The Indian government and the real estate sector has aligned themselves to help construction workers who have been impacted by the second wave of Covid-19, which has made its way into India, severely affecting various industry sectors across the country. The government has directed states to use the Rs 31,000 crore welfare fund to help construction workers. With Covid 2.0 looming large, the Maharashtra government has taken steps to provide relief to the construction labour force. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has announced a package of around Rs 5,500 crore as a Covid relief fund for the state. Shiv Bhojan Thali, which was previously given at Rs 10, will be given free for the period, and the beneficiaries of the ‘Niradhar’ scheme will also be paid in advance as well. Real estate developers have also come forward to help and support the construction workers. Several reputed developers have been helping their workforce with essential supplies and hygiene kits. Labourers are being assisted with food and labour camps have been set up by some developers where they have been provided with soap and hygiene kits. Many other developers and firms such as Experion Developers, Embassy Group, Piramal Group, Godrej Group, Elan Group, MAN Industries (India) Ltd (allied industry), AIPL, Ashwin Sheth Group, and FeedMyBangalore movement by Prestige Group, JLL India and Big Basket have also taken various steps to benefit their workers. Image Source Also read: BMC accepts NAREDCO’s demand, allows teams at construction sites Also read: New construction guidelines in Maharashtra during Covid