Processing time of applications under BOCW Act cut down to 62 days: Minister

Chandigarh: To boost the welfare of construction workers, the Bhagwant Mann govt has cut down the processing time of applications under the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act from 165 days to 62 days.

The move led to a surge in benefits for the workers, with 45,578 beneficiaries receiving Rs 146.77 crore since April 1, 2025 — nearly 10 times the Rs 14.73 crore disbursed to 4,977 beneficiaries in FY 2021-22 under the previous gov, said Punjab labour minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond.

The data clearly reflects the difference in the working and commitment of the two govts, he said.

Replying to a query in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the minister said apart from other public welfare initiatives, the Mann govt also streamlined the functioning of the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Board to ensure timely financial assistance to registered construction workers.

He said the govt was working hard to further reduce the processing time limit to 45 days.

Sond said the govt was 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.

Highlighting the welfare initiatives of the Board, the labour minister said the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board was implementing several schemes for the welfare and social security of construction workers and their families. These include 'Balri Tohfa' (for up to two daughters), ex-gratia life cover, financial assistance for funeral, general surgery aid for beneficiaries and their 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 their family members, pension after attaining 60 years of age -- including family/widow pension, Shagun Scheme for marriage of daughters, and stipend for education of workers' children.

Water flow in Kanianwali Minor

Punjab water resources minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Tuesday informed the Punjab Vidhan Sabha that the capacity and uninterrupted flow of water in the Kanianwali Minor, which originates from the Gang Canal, would be ensured so that farmers continue to receive adequate water for irrigation.

Responding to a question raised during the question hour by Faridkot MLA S Gurdit Singh regarding the concreting of the minor and enhancement of its width and carrying capacity, the minister informed the House that the Kanianwali Minor had a design discharge capacity of 24.95 cusecs and a total length of 28,000 feet.

He further stated that the minor was brick-lined in 1995. The tail gauge data indicates that the canal is currently carrying 114% of its designed discharge capacity. In view of this, the canal is capable of conveying water beyond its designed capacity, Goyal added.

MSID:: 129390951 413 |