Punjab Govt To Register And Revalidate 10 Lakh Construction Workers Free Of Cost

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday unveiled a large-scale campaign to register and renew the records of 10 lakh construction workers across the state free of charge. The initiative aims to expand access to welfare benefits and social security schemes available through the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers’ (BOCW) Welfare Board.

Reviewing the Board’s functioning, CM Mann said the government is focused on ensuring that construction workers receive financial assistance, welfare support and skill development opportunities without unnecessary delays.

“The Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board has been formed to ensure the welfare, social security and socio-economic upliftment of construction workers

through registration, financial assistance and implementation of welfare schemes. It is unfortunate that despite the availability of ample funds, welfare schemes for labourers have not achieved the desired success due to long processing times,” the CM said.

Only 2.21 Lakh Labourers Currently Enrolled With Board

The Chief Minister noted that only 2.21 lakh workers are currently registered with the Board despite rapid urbanisation and construction activity in Punjab. “As of now, 2.21 lakh workers are registered with the BOCW Welfare Board, which is quite low considering the massive construction activities and urbanisation taking place across Punjab. To improve registrations, more registration camps will be organised across the state,” he said.

Rs 145 Registration Fee Waived During Campaign

To boost participation, the state will waive the Rs 145 registration fee during the special drive. “It has been observed that workers often avoid registration because they are required to deposit Rs 145 as registration fee. To incentivise registration and revalidation, applicants will not be required to deposit this fee during the Mass Registration Campaign. Around 10 lakh workers will be enrolled or revalidated during this campaign and the Punjab Government will bear the financial implication of nearly Rs 15 crore,” he added.

Mann also directed officials to organise evening registration camps, improve facilities at Labour Chowks, accelerate welfare scheme approvals and provide skill training to registered workers. He further instructed authorities to ensure women labourers receive assistance under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna.