CHANDIGARH – In a move aimed at bolstering the social security and socio-economic standing of the state’s workforce, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced a massive, state-wide campaign to register 10 lakh construction workers. The initiative, spearheaded by the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Board, seeks to bridge the gap between welfare funding and actual beneficiary reach.
Eliminating Financial Barriers
A central pillar of the new initiative is the complete waiver of the ₹145 registration fee. The Chief Minister noted that this fee had historically acted as a deterrent for many laborers. By absorbing this cost—estimated at ₹15 crore—the state government intends to eliminate the financial burden for both new applicants and those seeking to renew their existing registrations.
“The Punjab government is committed to providing social security benefits, welfare assistance, and skill development opportunities to every construction worker,” the Chief Minister stated during a review meeting.
Improving Accessibility and Infrastructure
Recognizing that administrative delays have previously hampered the efficacy of welfare schemes, the government has successfully fast-tracked its internal processes. The average processing time for welfare applications has been drastically reduced from 203 days in the 2022-23 financial year to just 73 days.
Beyond digital and financial reforms, the Chief Minister has ordered immediate improvements to the daily working environment of laborers:
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Labour Chowk Upgrades: Officials have been directed to install protective sheds and ensure access to clean drinking water at all major labour chowks across the state.
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Convenient Outreach: Special registration camps are to be organized in both urban centres and villages. Recognizing the gruelling schedules of workers, the Labour Department has been instructed to host these camps during evening hours, ensuring they remain accessible after the workday ends.
Focus on Skill Development and Inclusivity
The government is also placing a renewed focus on professional advancement. Data for 50,000 registered workers is being transitioned to the Punjab Skill Development Mission to facilitate specialized training. Targeted skills include masonry, bar bending, scaffolding, construction electrical work, and interior finishing, all designed to directly enhance the workers’ earning potential.
Furthermore, the initiative mandates specific inclusion for women in the workforce. The Chief Minister has directed the board to ensure that women workers are fully integrated into key welfare programs, specifically calling for the utilization of the ‘Mother-Mother Satkar Yojana’ for financial assistance.
Looking Ahead
With only 2.21 lakh workers currently registered—a figure the government considers disproportionately low compared to the state’s rapid urbanization—this campaign marks a significant shift in strategy. By prioritizing outreach and removing administrative friction, the Punjab government aims to ensure that the BOCW Welfare Board’s substantial funds are effectively translated into meaningful, on-the-ground support for the people building the state’s future.
The meeting was attended by Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and various senior government officials.
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