Context:
Recently, the Minister of Labour and Employment provided valuable insights into the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 during a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Relevance:
GS II: Government schemes
Dimensions of the Article:
- Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996: Overview and Recent Developments
- Recent Enhancements in Registration Process
Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996: Overview and Recent Developments
Act’s Purpose and Significance:
- The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 (BOCW Act), is a crucial legislation aimed at protecting the rights and interests of workers within the construction sector.
Key Provisions of the BOCW Act:
- Establishment of State Welfare Boards: These boards administer welfare funds and offer benefits like accident insurance, medical assistance, education, housing, pension, etc., to registered construction workers.
- Regulation of Work Conditions: The Act governs work hours, overtime wages, prohibition of employment for specific individuals, and provisions for amenities such as drinking water, latrines, accommodation, etc.
- Safety Measures: Safety committees, safety officers, and health rules are mandated for ensuring the safety and well-being of building workers.
- Cess Collection: The Act permits the collection of a 1-2% construction cost cess by the Central government.
- Eligibility for Registration: Workers aged 18 to 60, engaged in construction work for at least 90 days in the previous year, can register as beneficiaries with State Welfare Boards.
Implementation of Welfare Schemes:
- State Welfare Boards manage welfare schemes, including life and disability coverage, health support, maternity assistance, transit housing, and skill development for workers.
- These initiatives uplift the livelihoods and welfare of workers contributing to the construction sector.
Recent Enhancements in Registration Process:
- Unique Identification Number: A unique identification number streamlines worker identification.
- Local Competent Officers: Appointment of officers at local levels simplifies the registration process.
- Self-Certification: Self-certification allows accurate information submission without physical presence.
- Facilitation Centers and Camps: Dedicated centers and camps ease the registration process for workers
