Punjab Government Drastically Reduces Processing Time for Construction Worker Welfare Applications
In a significant move to enhance the welfare of construction workers, the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has announced a major reduction in the processing time for applications under the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act. The processing time has been slashed from 165 days to just 62 days, marking a substantial improvement in administrative efficiency.
Surge in Benefits and Disbursements
This streamlined process has led to a remarkable surge in benefits for construction workers. According to Punjab Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, since April 1, 2025, a total of 45,578 beneficiaries have received Rs 146.77 crore in financial assistance. This figure represents nearly a tenfold increase compared to the previous government's performance in the fiscal year 2021-22, when only 4,977 beneficiaries were granted Rs 14.73 crore.
The data clearly reflects the difference in the working and commitment of the two governments, Minister Sond stated, emphasizing the current administration's dedication to worker welfare.
Commitment to Further Improvements
Responding to queries in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Minister Sond highlighted that apart from various public welfare initiatives, the Mann government has also focused on streamlining the functioning of the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Board. This effort aims to ensure timely financial assistance to registered construction workers. The government is actively working to further reduce the processing time limit to 45 days, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to efficiency.
The government is working day in, day out to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes reach every eligible and needy person in a transparent, hassle-free, and time-bound manner, Sond affirmed.
Comprehensive Welfare Schemes for Construction Workers
Highlighting the welfare initiatives of the Board, Minister Sond detailed several schemes implemented for the social security and welfare of construction workers and their families. These comprehensive programs include:
- 'Balri Tohfa' for up to two daughters
- Ex-gratia life cover
- Financial assistance for funeral expenses
- General surgery aid for beneficiaries and family members
- LTC benefits
- Maternity benefits for up to two living children
- Benefits for mentally challenged or handicapped children
- Assistance in case of occupational diseases for beneficiaries and family members
- Pension after attaining 60 years of age, including family and widow pension
- Shagun Scheme for the marriage of daughters
- Stipend for education of workers' children
Ensuring Water Flow for Irrigation
In a related development, Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal informed the Punjab Vidhan Sabha that the capacity and uninterrupted flow of water in the Kanianwali Minor, which originates from the Gang Canal, will be ensured to provide adequate irrigation water for farmers. This announcement came in response to a question raised by Faridkot MLA S Gurdit Singh regarding the concreting and enhancement of the minor's width and carrying capacity.
Minister Goyal provided technical details, noting that the Kanianwali Minor has a design discharge capacity of 24.95 cusecs and a total length of 28,000 feet. The minor was brick-lined in 1995, and current tail gauge data indicates that the canal is carrying 114% of its designed discharge capacity. In view of this, the canal is capable of conveying water beyond its designed capacity, Goyal added, assuring farmers of continued water supply for their agricultural needs.
