Introduction
The Labour Card Pension Scheme, popularly known as Pinchani Yojane, is a welfare initiative by the Karnataka government under the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (KBOCWWB). It provides monthly pensions and other financial benefits to registered construction workers post-retirement, or in case of disability, widowhood, or death.
What is a Labour Card?
A Labour Card is an ID issued to unorganized workers in the construction sector. It helps workers avail of over 20+ government schemes including pensions, medical aid, maternity support, education scholarships, and accident insurance.
Objective of the Scheme
- Ensure social security for aged and disabled labourers.
- Offer a steady income post-retirement.
- Provide support to families of deceased workers.
- Encourage workers to register and get formal recognition.
Eligibility Criteria
To avail benefits:
- Must be a resident of Karnataka.
- Must have a valid Labour Card.
- Must be registered with KBOCWWB for at least 3–5 years.
- For old-age pension: Age should be 60 years or above.
- For disability pension: Must be 50%+ disabled.
- For widow pension: Must submit death and marriage certificate.
- Must have a linked bank account and Aadhaar card.
Types of Workers Covered
The scheme is meant for various construction workers, including:
- Masons
- Painters
- Welders
- Coolies
- Road and building workers
- Plumbers
- Electricians (site workers)
- Carpenters
- Bar benders
- Crane operators
Types of Pension Provided
- Old Age Pension (₹2,000–₹3,000/month)
- Disability Pension (₹2,500–₹3,000/month)
- Widow Pension (₹2,000/month)
- Dependent Pension (for minor children in some cases)
Documents Required
- Labour Card (Active & Renewed)
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Passbook
- Passport-size Photos
- Age/Disability/Death Certificate (if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate (for widow)
- Self-declaration/Affidavit
- Income Certificate
Application Process
1. Offline Method
- Submit filled form and documents at district/taluk labour office.
- Get receipt and wait for verification.
2. Online Method
- Visit: https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
- Login/Register with Aadhaar/Mobile.
- Choose Labour Department → Pension for Construction Workers.
- Upload documents and submit.
Verification and Sanction
- Labour Inspector verifies the application and visits your residence.
- Verified applications go to KBOCWWB HQ for final approval.
- Pension is sanctioned and paid via DBT (Direct Bank Transfer).
Monthly Pension Amounts (2025 Rates)
| Pension Type | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Old Age Pension | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Widow Pension | ₹2,000 |
| Disability Pension | ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 |
Mode of Payment
- Payment is monthly and credited directly to worker’s bank account.
- Pensioners are advised to keep bank details updated.
Widow & Dependent Pension
Widows of registered workers are eligible for pension if:
- The worker was registered for at least 1 year before death.
- Widow is not remarried.
- Must submit death and marriage certificate.
Disability Pension
- Permanent physical disability (50% or more) qualifies.
- Disability must be certified by a government hospital.
- Annual verification is needed for continuation.
Death Benefit
For deceased registered workers:
- ₹2,00,000 for accidental death
- ₹1,00,000 for natural death
- Additional support for funeral expenses (up to ₹5,000)
Additional Benefits for Labour Card Holders
| Benefit Type | Amount/Support |
|---|---|
| Maternity Support | ₹30,000 |
| Marriage Assistance | ₹50,000 |
| Housing Scheme (Gruha Bhagya) | ₹2 to ₹5 lakh |
| Scholarship for Children | ₹2,000 to ₹40,000/year |
| Tool Kit Grant | ₹2,000 |
| Medical Aid (Annual) | Up to ₹1,00,000 |
About KBOCWWB
KBOCWWB is a statutory board that manages welfare schemes for construction workers. It collects welfare cess from builders and provides benefits to over 35 lakh registered workers in Karnataka.
Website: https://kbocwwb.karnataka.gov.in
How Pension is Calculated
- Based on years of registration and age.
- Must have paid annual renewal fees.
- Workers contributing regularly for 5+ years get higher pensions.
Labour Welfare Fund Contribution
- Workers pay ₹25 for registration and ₹10 per year for renewal.
- Contractors/builders also pay cess based on construction cost.
Common Issues Faced by Applicants
- Non-renewed Labour Card becomes invalid.
- Bank account not linked to Aadhaar = DBT failure.
- Incomplete or wrong documents.
- Application stuck in verification.
- Missed annual re-verification leads to pension stoppage.
How to Track Application Status
- Go to: https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
- Click: Track Application Status
- Enter application number and view updates.
Contact and Helpline
- Toll-Free Number: 080-22200851
- Email: [email protected]
- District Labour Office Contact: Available per region on official website.
Success Stories
Thousands of labourers now live a dignified life post-retirement due to the pension scheme. Several women have used widow pension and housing grants to rebuild their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I apply after 60 years of age?
Yes, if the Labour Card was valid before turning 60.
Q. Can I get pension and medical aid both?
Yes, if eligible.
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
Yes, for verification and DBT.
Q. What if my pension stops suddenly?
Contact your Labour Office immediately and verify documents.
Conclusion
The Labour Card Pension Scheme (Pinchani) is a lifeline for lakhs of unorganized workers in Karnataka. It ensures their dignity, financial security, and social protection in old age, disability, or loss of a spouse. By registering with KBOCWWB, updating documents, and applying through Seva Sindhu, every eligible worker can benefit from the scheme.
