BoCW Monitoring Committee Holds 15th Meeting, Launches New Portal for Welfare of Construction Workers

New Delhi; The 15th meeting of the Building and Other Construction Workers (BoCW) Monitoring Committee was held today, chaired by Sumita Dawra, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The meeting brought together Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Labour Commissioners, and Welfare Commissioners from States and Union Territories (UTs) to discuss key issues related to the integration of BoCW worker data and the utilization of the BoCW Cess Fund for welfare initiatives.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the launch of the BoCW Management Information System (MIS) Portal, a centralized data management system designed to compile and analyze data from BoCW Welfare Boards across the country. Dawra explained that the portal will empower States and UTs to make informed decisions and create more effective welfare policies for construction workers. States and UTs were urged to register on the portal and update information on fund utilization, worker registration, and access to social security benefits, including insurance, health services, and housing schemes.

As of June 30, 2024, approximately 5.7 crore workers are registered with Building and Construction Workers Welfare Boards across the country. The Boards have collectively raised Rs. 1.15 lakh crore through cess collection, with over Rs. 66,000 crore already spent on welfare schemes for the workers.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has also worked closely with State BoCW Welfare Boards to extend central government schemes to construction workers. Through this collaboration, 1.3 crore BoCW workers have received Ayushman Cards under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), providing them with essential health benefits. Additionally, more than 85,000 workers have been insured under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PM-JJBY), and 1.24 lakh workers are covered for disability protection under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PM-SBY).

Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh, have used BoCW cess funds to build schools for the children of construction workers. Other states were encouraged to undertake similar projects to further support workers’ families. The Ministry also requested states and UTs to expedite the integration of BoCW worker data with the e-Shram portal, which will provide workers with streamlined access to a range of welfare programs.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of States and UTs in finalizing draft rules under the four Labour Codes. The Ministry highlighted gaps and inconsistencies in the rules proposed by some states and urged them to align their regulations with central guidelines to ensure uniformity across the country. The Ministry announced that six regional meetings will be held with States and UTs over the next two months to facilitate ongoing collaboration and labor reform efforts.