Patna: Marking the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Puja, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the direct transfer of ₹802.46 crore into the bank accounts of 16.4 lakh registered construction workers across the state. The assistance was disbursed under the Annual Clothing Assistance Scheme, a welfare initiative of the Bihar Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
Financial Support for Informal Workers
This large-scale direct benefit transfer (DBT) aims to support workers in the unorganised sector, many of whom face economic vulnerability and limited social protection. Each of the 16.4 lakh construction workers will receive funds meant to help cover clothing and basic necessities—particularly ahead of the festive season.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar described the initiative as part of the government’s long-standing commitment to empowering workers at the grassroots level.
“We have been working from the beginning to bring the people of the lowest rung of society into the mainstream. The contribution of our worker brothers and sisters is invaluable in the way the state is progressing in various fields,” he said in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter).
आज 1 अणे मार्ग स्थित ‘संकल्प’ में आयोजित कार्यक्रम में बिहार भवन एवं अन्य सन्निर्माण कर्मकार कल्याण बोर्ड के अंतर्गत 5000 रुपए प्रति श्रमिक की दर से 16,04,929 निबंधित निर्माण श्रमिकों के खाते में वस्त्र सहायता योजना के तहत 802 करोड़ 46 लाख रुपए की राशि का हस्तांतरण किया तथा… pic.twitter.com/1fgGGdkhdb
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) September 17, 2025
Launch of Mukhyamantri Pratigya Yojna Portal
Alongside the monetary transfer, the state government also launched a web portal for the Mukhyamantri Pratigya Yojna, which is expected to streamline welfare applications and improve transparency in service delivery. This step reflects Bihar’s ongoing efforts to modernize governance through digital platforms and improve access to government schemes for marginalised groups.
Vishwakarma Puja and PM Modi’s Birthday Marked
The announcement came on Vishwakarma Puja, a festival traditionally observed by artisans, craftsmen, and construction workers. CM Nitish Kumar highlighted the symbolic significance of the date, noting that it also coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday.
“Today is the day of worship of Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect of the universe, and also the birthday of PM Narendra Modi jee. The PM is tirelessly working with complete dedication for the upliftment of the country,” the Chief Minister stated.
Welfare with Political Undertones Ahead of Elections
The move comes just months ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for later this year. The large-scale disbursal of funds and the launch of a welfare portal may be viewed as a strategic attempt to strengthen the government’s outreach to the working class and unorganised labour force, which forms a substantial part of the electorate.
While the political implications are yet to unfold, the initiative signals the Nitish Kumar-led government’s continued focus on inclusive development and social welfare—especially for labourers who are often overlooked in mainstream policymaking.
Conclusion
The ₹802 crore transfer and digital portal launch reflect Bihar’s increasing reliance on direct benefit transfers and e-governance to reach vulnerable populations. If implemented effectively, the scheme could offer both immediate relief and long-term empowerment to lakhs of construction workers, strengthening their trust in the system and improving their socio-economic conditions.
