Rs 80-crore cess money not fully utilised

SHILLONG: Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya on Friday said the money that is collected as cess from construction agencies by the State Government should be utilised in bettering the living conditions of construction workers.
“Meghalaya government has collected Rs 80.42 crore (in cess), out of which only Rs 93 lakh has been spent and the remaining money is with you (the State Government). I request the State to see that the entire amount goes into the development of construction workers only rather than using it in other purposes,” he said.
He observed that the northeastern region has presence of large number of small and medium scale industries and that a safe and clean environment is needed for healthy working conditions of the workers as well as to uphold social justice and their economic growth.
“Education, training, consultation and exchange of information and good practices are essential for prevention and promotion of such measures. Ensuring safety and health of workmen is an essential element for the sustainable growth of the  industry,” the Minister said.
“The occupational safety and health scenario in the country is changing very fast due to technological advancement. All stakeholders have to work together with utmost sincerity to ensure holistic occupational safety and health at workplaces,” he added.
He observed that occupational safety should be properly maintained and that vocational training should be developed in the region.