Mumbai, September 11 (Daily Kiran) : Central Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has urged state governments to conduct a comprehensive review of the welfare cess fund collected for workers. Speaking at the National Conference on Building and Other Construction Workers held in Mumbai, he emphasized the need to identify shortcomings and explore new measures for effective utilization, keeping the long-term welfare and social security of workers in mind.
Mandaviya also called for an assessment of the impact of labor codes one year after their implementation. He stressed the importance of identifying areas that require better enforcement. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of conducting workshops and training programs for professionals associated with labor laws to ensure the effective application of these codes.
The Minister underscored the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Vikas Bharat Employment Scheme, stating that it plays a crucial role in promoting employment and bringing new entrants into the workforce under the umbrella of social security. He urged state governments to organize special workshops and dialogue sessions with industry stakeholders to raise awareness about the scheme and ensure that eligible beneficiaries can access its benefits.
Mandaviya emphasized the exchange of best practices among states and maximizing the use of the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) fund to provide comprehensive social security coverage for workers. He noted that the labor ecosystem must evolve with changing times and that there should be alignment between the policies and thinking of both central and state governments for the overall welfare of construction workers.
The Minister also advocated for measures to provide workers with greater respect, dignity, and self-esteem, suggesting the need to consider pension assistance for them. He pointed out the growing global demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers, stressing the importance of preparing India’s workforce to seize these opportunities.
Discussing international labor mobility, Mandaviya highlighted its potential economic benefits through remittances and fulfilling the aspirations of India’s youth. He called for coordinated efforts from both central and state governments to develop a comprehensive platform for international labor mobility, complete with the necessary financial and digital infrastructure. This would enable Indian workers to take advantage of global opportunities and enhance India’s credibility on the international stage.
Addressing the conference, Labor and Employment Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar noted that there are over 70 million workers in the construction sector across the country. He revealed that approximately ₹77,000 crore is available in the BOCW cess fund nationwide. Kumar stated that the conference provides a significant opportunity for states to share better practices and engage in discussions with the industry.
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