The Supreme Court directed to give subsistence allowance to the construction workers of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan after the implementation of GRAP-3. States were given the responsibility to reduce air pollution and implement preventive measures.
New Delhi. The Supreme Court has recently given an important order. The country’s top court said that the construction workers who have become unemployed after the implementation of GRAP-3 in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan should be given subsistence allowance. The purpose of this decision is not only to provide relief to the workers, but also to reduce air pollution and ensure control over construction activities.
Why is relief necessary for construction workers?
Due to the implementation of GRAP-3 rules, many works at the construction site have stopped. Due to this, the daily income of the affected workers came to a standstill. The Supreme Court gave clear instructions that the state governments should protect the rights of construction workers and give them allowances, so that their lives are not affected.
What is the responsibility of the states?
A bench headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai also asked the governments of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan to implement preventive measures to control air pollution and review them regularly. This means that just making rules will not work, rather it will be seen whether the measures are being implemented properly or not.
Will GRAP-3 really clean the air?
The full name of GRAP-3 is Graded Response Action Plan. Under this, construction and other activities are banned if pollution increases. This can reduce the amount of dust and harmful elements in the air. However, its effect will be visible only if the states follow the rules properly and make timely arrangements for workers’ allowances.
New opportunity or challenge for construction workers?
Getting subsistence allowance will provide financial help to the workers. This is a kind of relief, due to which workers can fulfill the needs of home and family without any worry. At the same time, states also have to ensure that the allowance reaches on time and GRAP-3 is followed properly.
Employment and pollution both important
This order of the Supreme Court is important for both the rights of workers and the environment. Following GRAP-3 rules and paying subsistence allowance will maintain the balance of reducing air pollution and helping workers.