Mr Pramod Khairnar Patil, President of CREDAI Maharashtra

Pune - CREDAI Maharashtra, the apex body of organized Real Estate Developers/Builders in the state, and Disha Foundation, a prominent non-profit organization, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen social protection support for construction workers across Maharashtra.

The primary objective of this MOU is to empower construction workers by providing comprehensive support to access the Building and Other Construction Worker Welfare (BOCW) scheme and its benefits, along with other essential social security schemes, financial literacy, legal aid, and skill enhancement opportunities, stated a press release.

Disha Foundation will collaborate closely with CREDAI Maharashtra and its city chapters to implement these activities. They will mobilize resources, train qualified teams, develop awareness materials, facilitate inclusion of eligible construction workers in BoCW and other various schemes, manage data using software-enabled systems, and document the impact of their efforts. CREDAI Maharashtra and its city chapters will extend full support for the smooth implementation of the MOU activities, including facilitation of worker’s registrations, coordinating with the labour department and ensuring the sustainability of this initiative.

In its initial phase, the project aims to benefit at least 30,000 low-income unskilled and semi-skilled construction workers across 66 city chapters of CREDAI in Maharashtra. The first phase will be started in the cities of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Nashik, Pune, Satara, Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, Sangali, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, the release stated.

This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to improve the lives of construction workers and promote social justice within the construction industry. By enhancing access to welfare schemes and essential services, CREDAI Maharashtra and Disha Foundation aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for workers in Maharashtra's construction sector.

Mr Pramod Khairnar Patil, President of CREDAI Maharashtra, expressed, "CREDAI’s collaboration with Disha Foundation is a milestone to invigorate our commitment to provide comprehensive social security to construction workers, including access to Board of Construction Worker’s Welfare – (BOCW) welfare scheme and its other benefits across the state. This year, over 30,000 construction workers will directly benefit from this collaboration, receiving much-needed assistance under the BoCW scheme and other welfare initiatives."

Dr. Anjali Brothers, Founder and President of Disha Foundation, emphasized, "Our collaboration with CREDAI Maharashtra marks a significant step towards ensuring the social protection and well-being of construction workers in Maharashtra”.

Mr Vidyanand Bedekar, CREDAI Maharashtra Secretary, commented, "The collaboration between CREDAI Maharashtra and Disha Foundation heralds a new era of social responsibility within the construction industry. I am proud to be part of an initiative that directly impacts the lives of construction workers."

On this occasion Shri Dharmveer Bharti, Joint Secretary and OB In charge- Sports & CSR Events Committee and Labor Welfare & Skill Development Committee, CREDAI Maharashtra was present.

Mr Amit Waghmare, Convenor- Sports & CSR Events Committee and Shri. Sunil Patil, Convenor- Labor Welfare & Skill Development Committee along with Co-convenors Shri. Gopesh Yadav, Shri. Pratish Gujrathi, Shri. Mangesh Hirave, Shri. Narendra Kulkarni, Shri. Sandip Mirajkar, Sow. Deepa Patare, Sow. Amina Mulla are taking efforts to implement this mission from 1st May 2024 till 1 year with the help of 66 city chapters & their Presidents .