Recently, the Minister of Labour and Employment responded in writing to the queries raised in the Rajya Sabha, shedding light on the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996, commonly known as the BOCW Act. This important legislation is aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of workers in the construction sector.
An Overview of the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996
Also referred to as the BOCW Act, this integral legislation was enacted in 1996 to protect the rights and interests of workers employed in the building and construction sector. It has several key provisions including the constitution of State Welfare Boards, defining working hours and wages, providing essential amenities like housing and medical aid, and ensuring safety of workers.
Major Provisions under the BOCW Act
The main provisions within this act involve the State Welfare Boards’ establishment in charge of administering welfare funds and providing various benefits to registered workers including accident insurance, education, housing, pension, and medical assistance. It also directs towards the provision of basic facilities such as drinking water, latrines, urinals, accommodation, creches, first-aid, and canteens at workplaces.
Safety Measures for Workers
Another essential provision of the BOCW Act is the establishment of safety committees and officers in every construction establishment. This provision aims to ensure safety and health of building workers by the framing of crucial safety rules.
Welfare Schemes Implementation
As per the act, the responsibility of implementing welfare schemes lies with the State/UT BOCW Welfare Boards. These schemes cover a wide range including life and disability cover, health, maternity support, transit housing, and skill development, all aimed at uplifting the livelihoods and well-being of construction sector workers.
Streamlining Registration Processes
The government has introduced several measures to make the registration process simpler and more accessible. These include introducing a Unique Identification Number for registered workers, appointment of local competent officers, allowing self-certification, and establishing facilitation centers at prominent labor chowks.
Government Schemes for Construction Workers
Alongside the BOCW Act, the government also introduced other schemes for the welfare of construction workers. Some of these are the National Initiative for Promotion of Upskilling of Nirman workers (NIPUN), Model Welfare Scheme for Building and Other Construction Workers, Action Plan for Strengthening Implementation Machinery, and Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM).
These initiatives collectively aim to create a supportive, safe, and efficient work environment for construction sector workers, recognizing their significant contributions.
