Pursuant to the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 4th July, 2018, Model Scheme for Building and Other Construction Workers and Action Plan (for Strengthening Implementation Machinery) has been drafted by Ministry of Labour. State Governments and Union Territory Administrations are requested to comply with the Scheme. The Scheme provides following additional benefits:
1. Life and disability cover
The State Welfare Board should provide minimum coverage of Rs. 4 Lakh, in case of accidental death, and Rs. 2 Lakh in the event of natural death, within 60 days. The Board may cover BOC workers between 18 years and 50 years under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana(PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana(PMSBY), by making paying 50%of premium and remaining will be borne by the Central Government.
2. Health and Maternity Cover
State Welfare Boards are required to coordinate with their respective States Governments to ensure that ‘Ayushman Bharat’ Scheme covers maximum workers.
Workers not covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will be provided following benefits:
(i) Reimbursement as under Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
(ii) Paid maternity leave (90 days to 26 weeks) to registered construction workers up to two deliveries.
(iii) Rs.6000/-per delivery up to two deliveries to wife of the registered construction workers.
3. Education
The scheme proposes minimum financial assistance for education of wards at the following rates per child per annum:
a. Class 1 to 5 at the rate of Rs. 1800
b. Class 6 to 10 at the rate of Rs 2400
c. Class 11 to 12 at the rate of Rs 3,000
d. Graduation courses at the rate of Rs 10,000
e. ITI/Vocational course/Professional Course at the rate equivalent to annual fee of Govt institutes/colleges.
4. Housing
Transit accommodation/hostel/labour shed/night shelter etc. has to be provided as per Central Government Direction dated 11.07.2017 issued under Section 60 of the Act.
5. Skill development
The Scheme proposes that BOCW Board should coordinate with State Skill
Development Missions/Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and National Skill Development Corporation to upgrade and diversify the skills of workers and their dependents. During training, worker should be given financial assistance in the form of stipend & training expenses.
6. Pension
The Scheme provides that State Welfare Boards may formulate pension schemes to give pension to BOC workers who have remained registered for a minimum of 10 years. State Welfare Board will issue a certificate to that effect.
For the purpose of implementation of the Scheme, the Scheme proposes changes in process of Registration of Establishments and workers. It recommends delegation of power to authorities below Deputy Labour Commissioner/Assistant Labour Commissioner. It also stresses on use of technology for registration as well as monitoring of construction work. Every state should allot a Unique Identification Number to the registered BOC workers, and upload complete details on the State web portal and the National BOCW Portal, accessible by other States.The establishment registration, licensing or inspecting authorities under various labour laws are also required to guide establishments/employers in regard to their liability to pay cess and registration of BOC workers as beneficiaries.
