Himachal Pradesh to provide free bicycles to women labourers 

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh will provide household items, including a bicycle, to women labourers and insure all workers enrolled under the state Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, an official said Friday.

The cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Thursday allowed amendments in the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Welfare Board (Regulation and Employment and Condition of service) Rules of 2008, a government spokesperson told IANS.

He said all the workers have been covered under insurance, both accidental and natural death.

A provision of Rs.100,000 has been made in case of accidental death and Rs.50,000 for natural death of a worker, who is between 18 and 60 years.

To ensure the welfare of women workers, they will be provided a bicycle, a solar lamp and a washing machine, said the spokesperson.

A total of 45,683 workers are registered with the welfare board at a contribution of Rs.10 per month.

A cess amounting to Rs.184 crore has been deposited with the board by Nov 30, 2013, says an Economic Survey report of 2013-14.