1. Introduction
Karnataka has a significant number of unorganized sector workers. The government has initiated several welfare programs to provide financial support to these workers through the Labour Card, one of which is the Labour Card Pension Scheme, also known as Pinchani Yojane in Kannada.
2. What is a Labour Card?
A Labour Card is an official identity card issued to registered workers under the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (KBOCWWB). This card helps workers avail of various government benefits like housing, pension, maternity, education support, and healthcare.
3. About the Labour Card Pension Scheme (Pinchani)
The Labour Card Pension Scheme is a welfare program that provides monthly pension benefits to construction workers and their dependents after they retire or are unable to work due to age or disability.
4. Objective of the Scheme
- To provide financial assistance to aged workers who have contributed to the building and construction sector.
- To secure the future of labourers who no longer have an income.
- To ensure dignified living conditions post-retirement.
5. Eligibility Criteria
To avail of the Labour Card Pension in Karnataka:
- The applicant must be a resident of Karnataka.
- Must possess a valid Labour Card issued by KBOCWWB.
- Should have completed 60 years of age for old-age pension.
- Should have completed 3–5 years of registered service under the board.
- For disability pension, disability percentage must be over 50%.
- For widow pension, the deceased must have been a registered member.
6. Types of Labourers Covered
- Construction Workers
- Masons
- Helpers and Coolies
- Painters
- Electricians (site workers)
- Welders
- Plumbers
- Road workers
- Crane operators
- Bar benders
- Carpenters
7. Types of Pension Under Labour Card
- Old Age Pension – For workers aged 60 and above.
- Disability Pension – For those with over 50% disability.
- Widow Pension – For the spouse of the deceased worker.
- Dependent Pension – For children of deceased workers in certain cases.
8. Documents Required
To apply for the Labour Card Pension, the following documents are required:
- Labour Card copy (valid registration)
- Aadhaar Card
- Age Proof (Birth Certificate or Voter ID)
- Bank Passbook (with IFSC code)
- Recent Passport size photograph
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Death Certificate (for widow or dependent pension)
- Income Certificate
- Self-declaration/affidavit
9. How to Apply for Labour Card Pension Scheme
You can apply for the Labour Card Pension either:
- Offline through the nearest labour office
- Online via Seva Sindhu or KBOCWWB portal
10. Offline Application Process
- Visit the Labour Welfare Office in your district/taluk.
- Ask for the Labour Card Pension application form.
- Fill in the required information.
- Attach photocopies of necessary documents.
- Submit the form to the welfare officer.
- Get an acknowledgment receipt.
11. Online Application Process
Online applications are faster and trackable. Karnataka government encourages online submissions through its Seva Sindhu portal or KBOCWWB website.
12. Application Through Seva Sindhu Portal
Steps:
- Visit: https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
- Register/Login with your mobile number and Aadhaar.
- Go to Department-wise services → Labour Department.
- Select Application for Pension Scheme for Labour Card holders.
- Fill in the required details.
- Upload scanned documents.
- Submit and note the application ID for tracking.
13. Application Through Labour Department Office
Workers can also approach Labour Department field officers during camp drives or awareness programs. Field officers assist with form filling and submission.
14. Verification Process
Once submitted:
- The application is forwarded to the Labour Inspector for field verification.
- A site visit may be done to ensure authenticity.
- Pension approval is granted after validation by KBOCWWB officials.
15. Pension Amount and Disbursement
As of 2025:
| Type of Pension | Amount (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Old Age Pension | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Widow Pension | ₹2,000 |
| Disability Pension | ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 |
Note: Pension is subject to periodic revision by the state government.
16. Mode of Payment
Pension amount is directly transferred to the bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) every month.
17. Pension for Widow Labourers
- The widow of a deceased registered labourer is eligible.
- Must provide a death certificate and marriage certificate.
- Must not have remarried.
- Paid until the widow turns 60 or remarries.
18. Pension for Disabled Workers
- Workers with permanent physical disability (over 50%) can apply.
- Disability must be certified by a government hospital.
- Pension continues for life if verified annually.
19. Death Benefit for Registered Workers
If a registered worker dies due to accident or natural cause, family receives:
- ₹2,00,000 for accidental death
- ₹1,00,000 for natural death
20. Other Benefits for Labour Card Holders
- Medical benefits up to ₹1,00,000 per year
- Maternity assistance for women workers
- Scholarships for children (₹2,000–₹40,000/year)
- Marriage assistance (₹50,000)
- Housing subsidy (₹2–3 lakh)
- Tool kit assistance (₹2,000)
21. KBOCWWB – Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board
KBOCWWB is the primary agency managing the Labour Welfare Fund and disbursing pension and benefits.
Website: https://kbocwwb.karnataka.gov.in
22. Key Welfare Schemes Under KBOCWWB
- Gruha Bhagya Scheme
- Prasooti Sahayava Nidhi
- Educational Assistance Scheme
- Sahayoga Health Scheme
- Skill Development Training
23. Labour Welfare Board Pension Rules
- Pension begins after 60 years
- Pension stops if worker becomes economically active again
- Annual verification mandatory
- Must have paid registration fees and renewed card annually
24. How is Pension Amount Decided?
- Based on number of years of contribution
- Government revises the amount periodically
- Subject to fund availability in Labour Welfare Fund
25. Labour Welfare Fund Contribution
Workers pay a registration fee of ₹25 and renewal fee ₹10/year. Contractors and builders contribute based on project value.
26. Common Issues Faced
- Delayed verification
- Pension delay due to bank account mismatch
- Non-renewal leads to cancellation
- Document mismatch
27. How to Check Application Status
- Visit: https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
- Click Track Your Application Status
- Enter Application ID and check the status
28. Helpline and Contact Information
- KBOCWWB Helpline: 080-22200851
- Email: [email protected]
- District Labour Offices: Available across all taluks
29. Success Stories
Thousands of aged workers across Karnataka have been uplifted by the pension scheme. Testimonials report improved living standards, access to medication, and financial dignity.
30. FAQs
Q1: Can women apply for pension?
Yes, both men and women labourers can apply.
Q2: What if the card is not renewed?
Non-renewal may lead to disqualification from pension benefits.
Q3: Is Aadhaar mandatory?
Yes, for KYC and bank linking.
Q4: Can I apply for both disability and old age pension?
No. Only one pension is allowed at a time.
31. Conclusion
The Labour Card Pension (Pinchani) Scheme is a critical initiative by the Karnataka government to provide a social safety net to those who have built the state’s infrastructure with their hard work. By ensuring timely application, renewal, and submission of documents, lakhs of workers and their families can live a dignified life post-retirement.
