Bhubaneswar, Sept. 9: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today launched another populist measure just ahead of the panchayat polls by inaugurating a pension scheme for all construction workers.

Construction workers aged above 60 years will be eligible to get a monthly pension of Rs 300, while those who are over 80 years of age will get a pension of Rs 500 per month. Under the scheme, an estimated 25 lakh construction workers will be benefited.

Lanching the pension scheme, Naveen said the norm of getting registered for at least five years under the Odisha Buildings and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board for getting the benefits had been relaxed. Widows and physically challenged people will also get pension under the scheme.

The state government had earlier announced that workers registered with the board for at least five years were eligible for the monthly pension scheme.

Construction workers constitute a major vote bank in the state. Keeping this in mind, the state government has set up the Odisha Buildings and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board and has provided them financial assistance to the tune of Rs 172 crore for building house, marriage and education of children, performing last rites of the deceased and medical treatment. Besides, cycles, safety equipments and machineries were also provided to construction workers. Migrant labourers working outside the state have also been included in the scheme.

Naveen said the government had launched a grant of Rs 1.30 lakh for construction workers in rural areas under the Nirman Shramik Pucca Ghar Yojana last year. "The amount has been enhanced upto Rs 1.30 lakh," Naveen said.

Work orders for construction house were distributed to 1,000 beneficiaries at today's event.

The state government has also raised maternity benefits from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 and assistance for the treatment of workers who are seriously ill to Rs 3 lakh.