The government of Arunachal Pradesh has opened a new Arunachal labour shed-cum-night shelter at Rupa in West Kameng district to improve the lives of construction workers. The facility provides workers with a safe space to rest, clean drinking water, sanitation, and cooking facilities.
Advisor to the Chief Minister on Strategic Affairs, Brigadier (Retd) Dr B.D. Mishra, inaugurated the shed in the presence of district officials, labourers, and members of the local community. The project marks a significant move towards ensuring worker welfare in the state’s growing infrastructure sector.
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A safe and comfortable space for workers
The new Arunachal labour shed in Rupa offers a clean and comfortable space where workers can rest after long hours on construction sites. It includes toilets, water facilities, sleeping areas, and basic cooking arrangements. The goal is to provide workers with dignity and comfort while they contribute to the state’s development.
Dr Mishra, while speaking at the event, said that construction workers form the backbone of the state’s growth. He stressed that development cannot be complete without ensuring the safety and well-being of those who build the infrastructure. He added that the new shelter reflects the government’s concern for the workforce and its efforts to make their lives better.
The labour department built the facility under the Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (APBOCWWB). The board has been running several schemes to support registered workers across the state.
Boosting infrastructure and local development
Rupa, a small town in West Kameng, has seen steady construction activity in recent years. Many workers come from nearby villages and other parts of the region to take part in road, housing, and public development projects. Until now, most of them lacked proper accommodation.
The newly inaugurated Arunachal labour shed-cum-night shelter fills that gap by offering both temporary lodging and basic facilities under one roof. Deputy Commissioner Karma Leki said that the government has taken this initiative to give construction workers a place they can call home after a tiring day. He also noted that when workers feel safe and supported, their productivity and motivation improve naturally.
He added that the administration plans to open similar shelters in other towns where construction work is increasing. According to him, the aim is to combine infrastructure growth with humane living conditions for workers.
Collaboration for worker welfare
The project came to life through the combined efforts of the district administration, labour department, and welfare boards. The APBOCWWB funded the construction and provided all necessary resources. Labour Welfare Officer Tashi Dema said that the shelter will remain open all year for workers employed at nearby sites.
She explained that the facility includes medical first-aid kits, clean drinking water, and sanitation facilities. It will also host regular awareness sessions on worker safety, labour rights, and financial assistance schemes. “We want this space to serve both as a resting place and as a learning centre for the workers,” Dema said.
During the inauguration, several workers shared their appreciation for the new facility. They said the shelter will help them save money on rent and offer a secure space, especially during heavy rains or cold weather. Many workers also expressed pride that the government is acknowledging their contribution to the state’s progress.
Expanding welfare across the state
The Arunachal Pradesh government has been focusing on expanding welfare measures for workers. Through the APBOCWWB, it has introduced schemes like health insurance, scholarships for children, and financial assistance for emergencies. The Arunachal labour shed project adds a physical infrastructure component to these welfare schemes, giving workers tangible benefits they can see and use daily.
Officials said that worker registration drives will also take place at the Rupa shelter. This move will help unregistered workers access benefits such as medical aid, maternity support, and accident compensation. The government hopes this effort will bring more workers under the formal welfare system.
Dr Mishra urged all departments to maintain the facility and ensure its long-term use. He stated that the welfare of labourers is not just a government duty but also a moral responsibility. “Our workers build the roads, bridges, and houses that define our development. Their care must come first,” he said.
A model for future development
The success of the Rupa Arunachal labour shed has inspired plans for similar projects in other parts of the state. The labour department is already identifying potential locations in towns like Bomdila, Tawang, and Itanagar, where construction activity remains high.
Deputy Commissioner Karma Leki mentioned that the district administration will monitor the shelter’s use closely to ensure it meets workers’ needs. He also said that feedback from workers will help improve future facilities.
Local leaders attending the inauguration praised the initiative, saying it shows that the government values the people who contribute to the state’s progress from the ground up. They encouraged the labour department to organise skill training and health camps at the shelter in the future.
Ensuring inclusive progress
The opening of the new Arunachal labour shed in Rupa highlights the state’s focus on inclusive development. It shows that growth is not only about constructing roads and buildings but also about caring for the people who make them possible.
The facility stands as a reminder that worker welfare is a crucial part of sustainable development. By improving living conditions for labourers, the government ensures that progress benefits everyone equally.
As Arunachal Pradesh continues its development journey, such projects serve as symbols of compassion and respect for workers’ hard work. The Rupa shelter may be one small structure, but it represents a big step toward making the state a better and fairer place for all.
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