SHILLONG, MAY 1: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday announced that the state government has approved the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) for muster roll workers, a long-pending demand, with the decision expected to cost the exchequer an additional ₹10 crore annually.

He made the announcement while addressing the International Workers’ Day celebration organised by the Office of the Labour Commissioner, Meghalaya Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

“I would like to inform that the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) which our muster rolls have been demanding for quite sometime, I am happy to inform you that just yesterday, the government keeping in mind today’s importance, just yesterday, the government has cleared the file and we have approved the new VDA for the muster rolls so that our muster rolls can get the necessary benefits that they deserve,” Sangma said.

The Chief Minister said the move would have financial implications but was necessary.

“This will incur an additional amount of Rs 10 crore per year annually, additional amount will have to be shell out by the government,” he said.

“But we believe that this additional amount of Rs 10 crore that is being shell out over and above of what already is being spent is for the benefit of the larger section of the society, the economic weaker section of the society and hence it is something as a government keeping the social aspect in mind is something we must do.”

Sangma said the decision would have wide reach across departments.

“Therefore, we have taken this important decision and I am happy that this will benefit thousands and thousands of our muster roll and different workers who are working in different departments and different organizations also,” he added.