Defense Minister Approves Insurance Scheme for BRO Workers

India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved an unprecedented scheme aimed at providing insurance cover to casual workers employed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO). Under this scheme, an insurance amount worth Rs 10 lakh will be provided as insurance to the families/close relatives of Contingent Paid Workers (CPL) in case of any death. The scheme has been implemented keeping in view the serious risk to life of CPLs deployed in hazardous work sites, inclement weather, inaccessible terrain and occupational health hazards and deaths occurring or reported during their engagement .

Insurance cover for casual workers

• The approved scheme is set to provide a crucial Rs 10 lakh ($13,500) to the families of casual wage workers in the unfortunate event of their death.
• The Defense Ministry said in a release that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance social protection measures for these workers, recognizing the dangerous nature of their work in hazardous areas.
• BRO employs a substantial workforce, with over one lakh casual workers contributing to infrastructure projects in the border areas.

Previous welfare measures and policy changes

• This recent move follows a series of welfare measures and policy changes initiated by the ministry.
• In September 2023, a policy was introduced to ensure respect for BRO casual workers in case of death.
• Under this policy, preservation of mortal remains and transportation to their places of origin were facilitated, and funeral expenses were increased from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 for those whose cremation is performed at the workplace.

BRO's important role in border infrastructure

• BRO plays a vital role in building critical border infrastructure spanning from Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim to Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
• Projects undertaken by BRO include construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, airfields and helipads.
• It is expected that the insurance scheme will serve as an important social security and welfare measure, ensuring the livelihood of the families of these unsung heroes.
• Apart from insurance coverage, BRO workers in forward areas benefit from several welfare measures.
• These include portable cabins, prefabricated shelters, bio toilets, snow tents with polyurethane insulation panels, special winter clothing and rations for high altitudes.
• Health care facilities, training in emergency medical management and makeshift schools for their children contribute to their overall well-being.
• The importance of the role of BRO is acknowledged not only through policy changes but also in national celebrations.
• Last year, 50 BRO personnel were among the 1,800 special guests at the 77th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.
• This recognition underlines his significant contribution to the development of infrastructure in forward areas of India.