The Union Labour Ministry revealed that ₹1,17,507.22 crore has been collected as cess under the BOCW Act since its implementation in 1996.

• Out of this, ₹67,669.92 crore has been utilized for the welfare of construction workers, leaving ₹70,744.16 crore unutilized.

About the BOCW Act, 1996

• The Act provides for regulating the employment and conditions of service of building and other construction workers .
• It also provides for their safety, health and welfare measures and other matters connected therewith or incidental thereto

Provisions of BOCW Act, 1996

• Registration: All construction workers must register with Welfare Boards to access the benefits offered under the Act.
• Eligibility: Any worker aged 18 to 60 years, engaged in construction activities for a minimum of 90 days in the preceding 12 months, is eligible for registration with the State Welfare Boards.
• State Welfare Boards: Established to administer welfare funds and provide benefits such as accident insurance, medical assistance, education, housing, and pensions to registered workers.
• Funding Mechanism: The Act mandates a cess of 1% to 2% on the cost of construction projects to fund welfare schemes for construction workers.
• Working Conditions and Safety:
  • Fixes working hours and wages for overtime.
  • Prohibits employment of certain persons in specific construction activities.
  • Ensures provision of basic facilities like drinking water, sanitation, accommodation, crecheBOCW Act, 1996s, first aid, and canteens.
  • Mandates the formation of safety committees and appointment of safety officers to frame rules for workers’ safety and health.

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BoCW Management Information System (MIS) Portal

• Purpose: A centralized data management portal aimed at improving the welfare of Building and Other Construction (BoC) workers across India.
• Functions: Compiles and analyzes data from BoCW Welfare Boards of all States and Union Territories (UTs).
  • Enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of welfare initiatives for construction workers nationwide.
• Benefits: Tracks the usage of the BoCW Cess Fund.
  • Registers workers under welfare schemes and ensures benefits like social security, insurance, healthcare, and housing.
• Integration with e-Shram Portal: Simplifies access to government schemes.
  • Ensures comprehensive welfare coverage for construction workers by linking with the e-Shram database.
• Role of States and UTs: States and UTs are encouraged to update data on the portal to ensure efficient fund utilization and enhance welfare delivery.

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