Chandigarh: The Punjab government has announced a large-scale labour welfare initiative aimed at extending social security and welfare scheme benefits to around 10 lakh construction workers through a free registration and re-validation campaign.
The decision was announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during a review meeting of the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCW), where he emphasized improving access to welfare benefits and skill development opportunities for workers.
Government to Bear Registration Cost for Workers
Under the new initiative, the state government will cover the entire registration cost of workers, eliminating the ₹145 fee that officials said often discouraged registration.
The campaign is expected to cost the government around ₹15 crore and aims to significantly expand the welfare coverage of construction workers across the state.
Bridging the Gap in Worker Registration
Currently, Punjab has around 2.21 lakh registered construction workers, a figure the government believes does not accurately reflect the actual workforce engaged in the rapidly growing construction sector.
Officials said the initiative is designed to bring a large unorganised workforce into the formal social security net.
Statewide Registration Camps Planned
To increase participation, the government will organise registration camps across Punjab, including special evening camps in villages to accommodate workers’ schedules.
These outreach efforts aim to ensure maximum enrollment and easier access to welfare schemes.
Faster Delivery of Welfare Services
Chief Minister Mann also highlighted administrative reforms that have significantly improved service delivery.
According to officials, the processing time for labour welfare schemes has been reduced from 203 days in 2022–23 to 73 days, marking a major improvement in efficiency and governance.
Focus on Skill Development for Workers
Along with welfare benefits, the government is also strengthening skill development initiatives.
The Chief Minister directed officials to provide details of 50,000 active registered workers to the Punjab Skill Development Mission for training in trades such as:
- Masonry
- Carpentry
- Scaffolding
- Electrical work
- Surveying
- Construction quality management
The goal is to improve employability and upgrade technical skills among construction workers.
Support for Women Workers Under Maan Diyaan Satkar Yojana
CM Bhagwant Mann also instructed officials to ensure that eligible women workers receive benefits under the Maan Diyaan Satkar Yojana, reinforcing the government’s focus on inclusive welfare.
Strengthening Social Security for Informal Workers
Officials said the initiative aims to improve social security coverage, enhance employment opportunities, and strengthen welfare support for one of the largest segments of the informal workforce in Punjab.
The campaign is expected to play a key role in formalising construction labour and improving their access to government welfare schemes.
