Gratuity and retirement benefits such as pension and provident fund have always been a life savior for veteran civil servants post superannuation. But this is not the case with the National Work Force labourers (some of them have served for more than five decades now).
The National Work Force Labourers start their work by eight in the morning and return home only after 5 in the evening. Their job is to maintain roads, which is risky at times. They are paid a maximum of Nu 8600 every month. Along with it, comes a free accommodation and other safety kits including boots and raincoats. But their biggest worry is leading a life after retirement.
“We have children to look after. My job is to work along the road during odd hours, braving weather adversities. If vehicles are stranded due to landslides or snow, they must reach the scene to clear the blockage,” said one of the National Work Force Labourers, Meganath Chhetri, adding that they would be grateful if the government could provide them retirement benefits (gratuity and pension).
Others also expressed similar views. “We can’t guarantee that when we grow old, our children will take care of us. So, I would be happy if the government could arrange us some retirement benefits,” added Amber Bahadur Darjey, a member of National Work Force in Dagana.
However, since National Work Force Labourers are contract employees, the government says they will review the policy.
“Now, we have to properly review the National Work Force’s Service Rule and decide if we have to make any changes,” said the Works and Human Settlement Minister, Dorji Choden at Meet The Press this afternoon.
That aside, the government has plans to open maintenance centres which will cater to needy retired National Work Force Employees. It will also include ECCD and other facilities.
