Learn about the registration process for building workers as beneficiaries under the BOCW Act. Explore the benefits and protections afforded to registered workers in the construction industry in India.
Criteria for Building Workers’ Registration under the BOCW Act
To qualify for registration under the BOCW (Building and Other Construction Workers) Act, a worker must meet the following criteria:
- Age: The worker must be at least 18 but not older than 60.
- Work Experience: The worker must have been in construction work for at least 90 days in the past 12 months.
Eligible construction activities for BOCW registration include:
- Welding Work
- Well Digging
- Carpentry
- Shelling
- Roller Driving
- Plumbing
- Masonry Work
- Blacksmithing
- Roadmaking
- Mosaic Polishing
- Mixer Operation
- Electrical Work
- Painting
- Hammering
- Tiling Work
- Tunnel Construction
- Well Sediment Removal
- Road Construction (Spraying or Mixing)
- Marble and Stone Work
- Security Work
- Rock Breaking
- Stone Breaking and Grinding
- Clerical and Accounting Work at Project Sites
- Construction of Dams, Bridges, Roads, or Buildings
- Installation and Repair of Hot & Cold Machinery
- Flood Management
- Fire Fighting System Installation and Repair
- Interior Decoration of Houses/Buildings
- Community Park or Sidewalk Construction
- Modular Kitchen Installation
- Clay, Sand, and Mooring Mining Operations
- Brick Manufacturing at Brick Kilns
- Installation of Lifts and Automatic Ladders
- Installation of Security Gates and Other Equipment
- Transporting Cement, Bricks, etc.
- Lime Making
- Clay Work
These criteria ensure that workers involved in a wide range of construction-related activities can access the benefits and protections offered under the BOCW Act.
Benefits for Building Workers Following Registration
Registered building workers under the BOCW Act are entitled to various benefits, including:
- Maternity Benefits: Support for female workers during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Pension Payments: Provision of a pension plan for workers upon reaching retirement age.
- Tools Procurement: Permission and financial assistance for purchasing work-related tools.
- Medical Assistance: Immediate medical help for workplace injuries.
- Home Construction Loans: Facilitating access to credit for building or purchasing a home.
- Major Ailment Coverage: Financial support for medical expenses related to serious illnesses.
- Child Education Support: Assistance with educational expenses for workers’ children.
- Death Benefits: Financial compensation for the family in the event of a worker’s death.
- Funeral Benefits: Coverage of funeral expenses following the death of a worker.
Steps for Registering Building Workers Under the BOCW Act
Step 1: Visit the Registration Portal
First, the applicant must visit the State BOCW portal. The worker registration application is typically found under the service section in the main menu. Licensing requirements for workers are managed by the Labour Management Information System.
Step 2: Complete Verification Formalities
After selecting the application option, the applicant will be prompted to verify their identity through an OTP. To receive the OTP, enter the necessary details as requested.
Step 3: Fill Out the E-Form and Upload Required Documents
Complete the e-form with the required information and upload the necessary documents in the specified file format.
Step 4: Application Vetting and Grant of Certificate
Once the registration application is submitted, the concerned authority will begin the vetting process. If the verification is completed without errors, the registration certificate will be issued and made available on the online portal.
Required Documentation for BOCW Registration
To complete the registration process, the following documents must be provided:
- Age proof (a self-declaration can be submitted if no age evidence is available)
- Proof of address
- Aadhaar card (if available)
- Bank account details, including IFSC number, account number, and bank branch
- Family details
- Employer’s certificate confirming that the applicant has worked 90 days as a construction worker
- Nomination form
Handling Rejection of Registration Applications by Authorities
If the registration application is rejected by the authority, the applicant can appeal the decision. This appeal must be made to the Secretary of the Board or any officer specified by the Board within 30 days of the rejection decision.
Conclusion
The registration of building workers under the BOCW Act is a straightforward process due to the simplified requirements. For professional assistance, feel free to contact the experts at Vakilsearch.
FAQ
What is the BOCW Act?
The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996, commonly known as the BOCW Act, is a legislation enacted by the Indian government to regulate the employment and working conditions of construction workers. It aims to provide safety, health, and welfare measures for workers engaged in building and other construction work.
What benefits are available to registered workers under the BOCW Act?
Registered workers under the BOCW Act are entitled to several benefits, including Maternity benefits Pension payments Permission for procurement of work-related tools Prompt medical assistance in case of workplace injury Facilitation of home construction credits Coverage of medical expenses for major ailments Child education support Death benefits Funeral benefits
How can one register as a beneficiary under the BOCW Act?
To register as a beneficiary under the BOCW Act, follow these steps: Visit the Registration Portal: Access the State BOCW portal and find the worker registration application under the services section. Complete Verification Formalities: Enter your details to receive and verify an OTP. Fill Out the E-Form and Upload Required Documents: Complete the e-form and upload documents in the prescribed format. Application Vetting and Certificate Grant: The authority will vet the application and, upon successful verification, issue the registration certificate via the online portal.
What is the validity of the registration certificate under the BOCW Act?
The validity of the registration certificate under the BOCW Act typically lasts for one year. It must be renewed annually by fulfilling the specified requirements and paying the necessary fees.
How can a registered worker avail of the benefits under the BOCW Act?
To avail of the benefits under the BOCW Act, registered workers must: Maintain Active Registration: Ensure their registration is current and renewed annually. Submit Required Claims: For specific benefits, submit the necessary forms and documentation to the relevant authorities or welfare boards. Follow Board Instructions: Adhere to any additional procedures or instructions provided by the State Welfare Board or other designated authorities.
