Labour Welfare Board found wanting in implementing Construction Workers Welfare Schemes

As many of us would be aware that Delhi Govt. (like many other state govts.) has constituted a Welfare Board for welfare of workers in the construction industry. The Board is required to register every building worker between the age of 18-60, who has worked for not less than 90 days in last 12 months. Most Boards have large funds available but have been slow to formulate schemes to utilize these funds.

A writ petition was filed by various NGOs in the Delhi High Court to force various agencies involved in construction during the commonwealth games to provide various benefits to the workers involved in various projects. Delhi Govt in latest affidavit has stated that the Welfare Board has registered around 53,000 workers till Jan’11 and is providing benefits to them. The Court not satisfied, has asked all the main employers (MCD, NDMC, DDA, DIAL< DMRC, PWD, CPWD) to obtain list of workers form their contractors, along with their complete address (? – I wonder how many contractors do that), so that labourers could be contacted for granting benefits. In a related development, DMRC which till Dec’2009 has contributed around Rs 126 crores as cess to the Welfare Board, wants this money back, as it feels that the Board is not able to provide required benefits to labour and wants to do the same on its own. ____________________________________ Socio Research & Reform Foundation (A Non Government Organisation) 512 A, Deepshikha, 8 Rajendra Place, New Delhi - 110008 Tele/Fax: +91-11-25821088, 25817157, 25722044 e-mail: socio-research@sma.net.in