BAI felicitates meritorious children of construction workers in Pune

Pune: Recognising the academic achievements of children who have pursued education despite financial hardship, the Builders Association of India (BAI), Pune Centre, felicitated meritorious students from construction workers’ families at a special ceremony in Pune. The initiative sought to encourage students to pursue higher education and create greater awareness about opportunities for their academic and career advancement.Assistant Labour Commissioner Dattatray Pawar, Ajaykumar Lolge, director of Ajayshree Social Foundation, BAI Pune president Ajay Gujar, vice-president Rajaram Hazare, secretary Mahesh Rathi and treasurer Sushil Agarwal attended the programme. Representatives of the construction industry and social organisations were also present.Addressing the gathering, Pawar highlighted the welfare schemes implemented by the Maharashtra Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, including financial assistance for the education of eligible workers’ children. He urged construction workers to register with the board and renew their registrations periodically to avail themselves of educational assistance and other benefits, including maternity support, social security and pension schemes.He said access to quality education could help improve the social and economic conditions of construction workers’ families. Emphasising the importance of hard work and education, he encouraged students to remain focused on their goals.Lolge suggested that BAI and other organisations extend their support beyond felicitation by providing students with career guidance, educational assistance and internship opportunities to help them gain practical experience and prepare for employment.In his introductory address, Gujar said a strong foundation was essential for both buildings and successful lives. He urged students not to let their financial circumstances limit their ambitions and encouraged them to work hard to achieve their dreams. He added that BAI regularly undertakes initiatives for the welfare of construction workers and their families.Those present included former BAI national vice-president Ranjit More, former Maharashtra state president Jagannath Jadhav, Sunil Mate, Pune Contractors Association president Ravindra Bhosale, and Archana Sonawane, Pune division member of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha and president of Nisarga Runa Foundation.BAI vice-president and programme coordinator Rajaram Hazare and Dr Kamalkant Wadelkar, editor of Abhiyanta Mitra magazine, also spoke. Mahesh Rathi proposed the vote of thanks, while Sanjay Apte and Madhur Daga conducted the programme.