CREDAI Pune hosted its annual Construction Safety Awards in Pune, where Maharashtra Labour Minister Akash Pandurang Fundkar announced plans to invest nearly ₹600 crore in modern skill development centres for construction workers across the state.The event, held at Sheraton Grand Pune, was attended by more than 300 CREDAI members and representatives from the construction sector. The proposed centres are planned for locations including Mumbai and Nagpur and will focus on advanced technologies, modern equipment and workforce training aligned with evolving industry requirements.Fundkar called for stronger collaboration between the government and the real estate industry to improve worker welfare, safety standards and skill development. He urged CREDAI Pune and industry stakeholders to actively engage with the government on policy implementation, worker registration and safety awareness initiatives.The minister also stressed the importance of ensuring effective utilisation of welfare cess funds collected from the construction sector. He highlighted the need for better awareness and registration of workers under the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) framework to ensure benefits reach eligible labourers.J. P. Shroff said the construction sector remains a key contributor to Maharashtra’s economy and employment generation. He noted that improvements in worker safety, training and living conditions can significantly enhance productivity and create broader economic benefits.The event also saw the unveiling of a Construction Safety Souvenir aimed at strengthening safety practices across the sector. Other dignitaries present included Devendra P. Pothphode and Bharat Jaisinghani.CREDAI Pune leadership, including President Manish Jain and Vice President Arvind Jain, reiterated their commitment to improving labour welfare, safety standards and skill development within the construction industry.