Bhubaneswar, April 30: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today announced a slew of measures for the welfare of construction workers on the eve of Labours' Day, ranging from pensions to registered workers to scholarship for their children to pursue higher studies.

He also launched the Odisha Industrial Security Force that would be used to maintain a peaceful industrialisation process in the state.

Naveen said pension at par with Madu Babu Pension Yojana would be given to registered construction workers who are aged 60 years and above. Beneficiaries under the Madhu Babu pension scheme get Rs 300 a month. Sources said that in the first phase, only 15,000 registered workers would benefit. But eventually, the pension scheme will be extended to 12.5 lakh registered workers in the field of construction.

In February, the chief minister had announced to provide pucca houses for construction workers.

Naveen said scholarships would be given to the children of construction workers. He said those studying in Class VIII will get Rs 2,000 a year, those in Class IX Rs 3,000 and Class X students will get Rs 4,000 a year. The daughters of the construction workers studying in classes VI and VII will be given cash incentives of Rs 2,000 a year. Besides, a one-time cash award of Rs 10,000 will be given to meritorious Class-X students of construction workers who secure more than 90 per cent marks.

The allocation for pregnant and nursing mothers from the families of construction workers has been raised from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. They will continue to get the assistance under the Mamata Yojana. Under the scheme, a pregnant woman is entitled to receive Rs 5,000 in cash in six instalments.

Also, medical assistance up to Rs 3 lakh for treatment of nervous disorders, cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, cancer and orthopaedic disorders will be given to construction workers who have been registered for at least one year with the board.

Odisha Construction Welfare Board president Subas Singh said: "We have planned to bring nearly one crore people under social security system. So far, we have registered 15 lakh labourers. We are planning to register 25 lakh labourers in next few days. All the benefits announced by the government will be extended to these members."

Naveen today also gave appointment letters to 1,370 constables for the Odisha Industrial Security Force. The force will be trained in the line of Central Industrial Security Force.

Sources said the move came in the wake of the state witnessing several incidents of unrest rising out of industrial reasons. The force will work under additional director general of police (ADG) B. Radhika. Inspector general of police Sanjeeb Panda will extend administrative support to the ADG.