In a heartfelt gesture of compassion and respect for the hardworking construction workers of Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on Vishwakarma Puja (September 17, 2025) the transfer of ₹5,000 to over 16 lakh registered laborers, totaling ₹802.46 crore directly deposited into their bank accounts, ensuring immediate financial support to uplift their lives with dignity.
Alongside this, the launch of the ‘Pratigya Yojana’ portal reflects a deep commitment to empowering these workers by streamlining access to welfare benefits, fostering hope and security for those who build the state’s future. This initiative, rooted in care for Bihar’s most vulnerable laborers, strengthens community bonds and paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable society where every worker feels valued and supported.
Cash Assistance for Construction Workers
According to the Bihar Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, the payment is part of the Annual Clothing Assistance Scheme. The benefit was recently doubled from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000, with the intention of easing financial pressures on low-income workers.
“Construction workers are the backbone of Bihar’s development. This initiative strengthens their welfare and ensures dignity in their work,” Nitish Kumar said at the launch, as reported by Business Standard.
The ‘Pratigya Yojana’ Portal
The government also launched the Pratigya Yojana portal, a digital platform where workers can register, renew membership, and apply for benefits from 16 state-run labor welfare schemes.
The portal aims to reduce paperwork, curb delays, and increase transparency in the delivery of social protection measures. It integrates features that allow workers to track applications and access support without middlemen, according to the Bihar government’s official release.
Broader Context and Significance
The cash transfer and portal launch come at a time when migrant and informal workers remain vulnerable due to economic instability and limited social protection. Bihar, one of India’s poorest states, has a large labor force dependent on construction and migration for livelihood.
Independent experts note that while cash aid provides immediate relief, long-term gains will depend on effective implementation of digital systems and sustained funding. “Portals are promising, but digital literacy and last-mile connectivity challenges must be addressed,” said Dr. Anya Sharma, a labor economist at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
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Political and Social Reactions
With a heartfelt dedication to uplifting the lives of construction workers, the Bihar government’s initiative has earned warm praise from worker unions, who see it as a meaningful step toward recognizing the invaluable contributions of these laborers, affirming their dignity and worth in society.
Opposition leaders, in a spirit of shared concern for fairness, have compassionately urged vigilant monitoring to ensure that every eligible worker, especially those most vulnerable, receives the full benefits without any leakages. This collective commitment fosters hope and unity, striving to create an inclusive system where hardworking individuals are empowered with the support and respect they deserve, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
The timing, coinciding with Vishwakarma Puja—a festival honoring artisans and workers—has also been noted by political analysts. They see the announcement as both a welfare measure and a symbolic gesture reinforcing labor dignity.
Looking Ahead
With a heartfelt commitment to uplifting the lives of its hardworking laborers, the Bihar government has pledged to broaden welfare coverage through the innovative ‘Pratigya Yojana’ portal, seamlessly linking it with other state and central schemes to ensure comprehensive support reaches those who need it most, fostering dignity and security for every worker.
If successful, this compassionate model could serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring other states facing similar challenges to adopt similar initiatives, empowering vulnerable workers across India with equitable access to resources and opportunities, and building a brighter, more inclusive future where every laborer is valued and supported in their pursuit of a better life.
For now, the direct transfer of ₹802 crore marks one of the largest cash aid initiatives for Bihar’s informal workforce, underscoring the state’s effort to address worker vulnerabilities in a digital-first manner.
