ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Nov 9: The All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union (AAPWU) has opposed the appointment of MLAs as Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB).
Speaking at a press conference at the Press Club on Thursday, Vice President of AAPWU (Western Zone), Tadar Cheku stressed that the Board, which was formed for the welfare of workers is being run by people who have no knowledge of the downtrodden. He urged the state government to stop appointing elected representatives (MLAs) as Chairman of the Board and instead appoint leaders from the workers' community.
He also claimed that actual workers are still deprived of various benefits such as medical assistance, family pension, funeral and death benefits, housing loans, disability assistance, and cash awards to the wards of workers.
When asked about the details of the funds collected under the 1% Cess for workers, Tadar Cheku informed that the union will soon submit a representation asking for details of how the Board has been using the funds so far. "Instead of providing real benefits, the current board members are distributing blankets and other items that are not allowed under the rules," he claimed.
Bachelor barracks, another essential benefit for workers, is also being denied. Most of the barracks meant for the workers' community are being occupied by other privileged people. This is one of the reasons why we do not want any elected MLAs to be the head of the board, as they are not familiar with the issues of workers and are often busy with their constituency work, Tadar said.
Meanwhile, AAPWU General Secretary Tadar Chai also urged the state government to appoint only workers' leaders to head the board. He also questioned the reason behind the extension of the tenure of the incumbent Chairman, followed by the recall of his order and the appointment of another new Chairman. "We are unaware of who the new Chairman is," Chai added.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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