ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಕಟ್ಟಡ ಮತ್ತು ಇತರೆ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಕಾರ್ಮಿಕರ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣ ಮಂಡಳಿಯ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯಗಳು Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers
1. Introduction to the Board
The Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (KBOCWWB) is a statutory body established under the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996. It functions under the Department of Labour, Government of Karnataka, and aims to provide welfare measures and social security benefits to construction workers in the state.
The construction sector is one of the largest employment providers in India, especially for informal workers. However, these workers are vulnerable due to the temporary and unregulated nature of their employment. The KBOCWWB steps in to bridge this gap by offering welfare schemes that improve the quality of life and ensure safety and dignity for construction workers and their families.
2. Objectives and Legal Background
Legal Framework:
- BOCW Act, 1996: The primary legislation governing welfare and regulation of building and other construction workers.
- BOCW Welfare Cess Act, 1996: Provides for the levy and collection of a cess on the cost of construction to fund the welfare schemes.
Objectives:
- Registration and identification of construction workers.
- Collection of welfare cess from employers to fund schemes.
- Provide access to healthcare, education, housing, skill development, pensions, and maternity benefits.
- Create awareness and ensure the safety and social security of workers.
3. Eligibility for Registration
To register under the Board and avail of its benefits, a worker must:
- Be between 18 to 60 years of age.
- Be employed as a building or construction worker for at least 90 days in the last 12 months.
- Be a resident of Karnataka.
- Not be employed in any government job or formal sector employment.
4. Registration Process
Workers can register with the Board through the Seva Sindhu portal or by visiting designated Labour Welfare Offices in their district.
Steps:
- Visit the Seva Sindhu portal.
- Select “KBOCWWB Services.”
- Fill out the application form with personal details, work history, and supporting documents.
- Upload documents such as Aadhaar, proof of age, proof of employment, and photographs.
- Pay the registration fee (₹25) and a contribution fee of ₹50 per annum.
- Application is reviewed, and a smart card or ID is issued upon approval.
5. Welfare Schemes & Benefits
KBOCWWB provides several welfare schemes, which broadly fall under these categories:
- Health & Medical Aid
- Education Assistance
- Marriage & Maternity Aid
- Housing Schemes
- Accident and Death Compensation
- Pension Schemes
- Skill Development and Training
- Funeral and Last Rites Assistance
- COVID-19 Relief and Emergency Grants
6. Scheme-wise Detailed Information
A. Health and Medical Benefits
- Hospitalization Assistance
- Financial aid up to ₹1,00,000 per year for treatment in recognized hospitals.
- Accident Compensation
- ₹5,00,000 for accidental death.
- ₹3,00,000 for permanent disability.
- ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 for partial disability.
- Critical Illness Aid
- Up to ₹2,00,000 for treatment of life-threatening diseases like cancer, kidney failure, etc.
B. Education Assistance
- Pre-Matric Scholarship (1st to 10th std)
- ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 annually.
- Post-Matric Scholarship (PUC to Ph.D.)
- ₹3,000 to ₹35,000 per year depending on the course.
- Professional Courses (Engineering, Medical, etc.)
- Up to ₹60,000 per annum.
- Merit Awards
- ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 for high-scoring students.
C. Marriage and Maternity Assistance
- Marriage Assistance
- ₹50,000 for the wedding of the worker or their children.
- Maternity Aid
- ₹30,000 for female workers.
- ₹20,000 for the wife of a registered male worker.
D. Housing Schemes
- Individual House Grant
- ₹2,00,000 for construction of a house.
- Group Housing Project
- In collaboration with the Karnataka Housing Board.
- Rental Subsidy
- ₹1,000 per month for 24 months.
E. Death and Funeral Assistance
- Natural Death Compensation
- ₹2,00,000 to the nominee or family.
- Funeral Expenses
- ₹10,000 provided immediately after the death.
F. Pension Scheme
- Monthly Pension
- ₹2,000 per month after 60 years of age with at least 3 years of membership.
- Family Pension
- ₹1,000/month to spouse upon the death of the pensioner.
G. COVID-19 and Emergency Assistance
- COVID-19 Relief Package
- ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 during lockdown.
- Ration kits and emergency medical aid.
H. Skill Development and Training
- Skill Upgradation Courses
- Training in trades like plumbing, electrical, masonry, etc.
- Stipend of ₹500 to ₹2,000 per month during training.
- Toolkits
- Free toolkits worth ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 after completion of training.
7. Documents Required for Application
- Aadhaar Card
- Age Proof (School certificate or birth certificate)
- Address Proof (Ration card, Voter ID, etc.)
- Passport-size photographs
- Employer certificate or wage slip (for proof of 90 days’ work)
- Bank passbook
- Caste/Income certificate (if applicable for education or other benefits)
- Marriage certificate (for marriage assistance)
8. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
- Dedicated helpline: 155214
- District Labour Offices for in-person support
- Online grievance portal on Seva Sindhu
- Right to Appeal for rejected claims
- Lok Adalats and Labour Courts in case of unresolved disputes
9. Recent Updates and Digitization
- Introduction of mobile registration vans to reach remote areas.
- Biometric-based smart cards for easy verification and portability.
- Online payment system for faster disbursal.
- Integration with Aadhaar and DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) for transparency.
10. Challenges and Improvements
Challenges:
- Lack of awareness among rural workers.
- Difficulty in proving 90 days’ work history.
- Delays in processing due to document issues.
- Migration of workers to different states.
Suggested Improvements:
- Self-declaration forms for work history.
- Better digital infrastructure.
- On-site camps at construction sites.
- Increased collaboration with NGOs and trade unions.
11. Impact on Workers
- Enabled thousands of workers to access education, health, and housing.
- Reduced dropout rates in schools for workers’ children.
- Provided financial stability in emergencies.
- Boosted dignity and social security for informal workers.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often should a worker renew their registration?
A: Annually, with payment of a ₹50 renewal fee.
Q2: Can a worker register without an Aadhaar card?
A: Aadhaar is mandatory, though exceptions may be considered in special cases.
Q3: Can benefits be claimed outside Karnataka?
A: Only registered workers residing or working in Karnataka are eligible.
Q4: How is the money for these schemes collected?
A: Through a cess of 1% on the total construction cost paid by employers/builders.
Q5: Are migrant workers eligible?
A: Yes, if they fulfill the 90-day work criterion and reside in Karnataka.
13. Conclusion
The Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (KBOCWWB) plays a critical role in safeguarding the welfare of one of the most vulnerable workforces in India. With a comprehensive set of welfare schemes funded through construction cess and implemented via digital platforms, the Board has significantly improved the lives of lakhs of workers across the state.
However, better outreach, simplified documentation, and proactive implementation will further ensure that every eligible worker benefits from this initiative. As Karnataka continues to develop, it’s crucial that those building the state — brick by brick — are not left behind.
