The 16th Monitoring Committee Meeting for Building and Other Construction Workers (BoCW) was held on January 13, 2025, under the chairmanship of Smt. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment. Conducted in a hybrid format, the meeting saw participation from senior officials of the Labour Ministry, State/UT representatives, BoCW Welfare Boards, and officials from the National Health Authority and Department of Financial Services, with over 100 attendees.
Key Discussions and Decisions
The meeting addressed crucial issues related to the welfare of BoCW workers, including:
1. Amendments to the Model Welfare Scheme to extend coverage under central social security schemes such as PMJJBY, PMSBY, PM-JAY, and PM-SYM.
2. Utilization of BoCW Cess Funds for constructing educational institutions.
3. Integration of BoCW data with the eShram Portal for better monitoring and management.
4. Implementation of CAG audits and social audits for transparency.
5. Automation of benefit disbursements to BoCW workers.
With 5.73 crore workers registered across various States and UTs as of September 2024, and significant cess funds available, the meeting emphasized the need for judicious utilization of these resources to ensure comprehensive social security coverage.
Highlights from the Meeting
100% Coverage Goal: States and UTs were urged to strengthen registration processes, integrate BoCW data with eShram, and ensure full coverage of health, insurance, and accident benefits.
Training and Safety: The importance of training workers in safety practices and modern construction techniques was highlighted, alongside ensuring timely payment of minimum wages.
Technology-Driven Solutions: Leveraging technology for better functioning of Welfare Boards and maintaining updated data on the central MIS portal were stressed.
Grievance Redressal: Establishing an efficient grievance redressal system was also prioritized.
Focus on Health Initiatives
Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, addressed the importance of eradicating tuberculosis among construction workers. She urged BoCW Welfare Boards to actively participate in the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The Labour Secretary encouraged States and UTs to conduct health screenings for workers, including migrants, through a campaign-based approach.
Knowledge Sharing and Good Practices
The BoCW Welfare Boards of Uttarakhand and Assam shared their successful initiatives, providing valuable insights for other States and UTs to emulate.
The Way Forward
The meeting concluded with a call to action for BoCW Welfare Boards to diligently implement these measures, ensuring that the welfare of construction workers, one of the most vulnerable labor segments, remains a top priority.
