Patna, Jan. 13: The faceless engineers, contractors and labourers working in different government projects without any recognition have something to cheer about. The planning and development department has decided to mention their names in official documents as well as on boards near buildings they erect.

“Bihar is probably the first state in the country to have started such a move aimed at generating a sense of ownership and participation among those who work day in and day out in executing projects,” planning and development department principal secretary Vijoy Prakash told The Telegraph, adding that a formal letter in this regard would be issued on January 14.

There is a rider, though. Daily wagers working for at least at least 100 days in a project would be eligible for inclusion of their names in the official books and on display boards..

At present, names of engineers, contractors and daily wagers are not mentioned in the official record books. Also, plaques near buildings generally display the names of persons laying their foundation stones or inaugurating them.

Prakash said apart from names, the official book would have details like funds used and time taken in executing a project. He said the display of names of persons related to a project would play the role of motivator because they would have something to show to others as their creations even after retirement.

Praising the move, trade union leader and state president of Indian National Trade Union Congress Chandra Prakash Singh said: “Identity crisis is a major problem of daily wagers. The display of their names near structures they constructed would give them a sense of satisfaction and ownership.”

He, however, maintained that the government should take steps to introduce similar practice in other departments also instead of limiting it to just one department.

Bihar engineering services association general secretary Rajeshwar Mishra too hailed the beginning made by the planning and development department. He said: “The move would at least give some recognition to engineers who have been hitherto treated like skilled labourers.”

CPI-ML (Liberation) state secretary Kunal, however, dismissed the move terming it a cosmetic one. “Prima facie it appears to be a good move. But instead of taking credit of it, the state government should do something substantive for the daily wagers if it is really concerned about their well-being,” he said and added that upward revision of the minimum daily wage could be a step in that direction.