Smart Card: The Delhi government is making it easier for construction workers to register and access government schemes. To do this, workers will receive chip-enabled smart cards. Additionally, a dedicated portal will be established to collect cess from builders and construction companies. The funds generated from this cess will be allocated to welfare schemes for construction workers.
Workers will receive smart cards
The Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (DBOCWWB) has started the process of selecting an agency to create, implement, and manage an integrated digital platform. This platform will feature a cess management portal, a network of personnel service centers, and labor chowks. Construction workers will also be provided with chip-enabled smart cards that will store secure (encrypted) information about them. These cards will be given to all registered construction workers and will need to be renewed every year.
This initiative will particularly assist migrant workers, who often move to different states in search of employment. They will no longer have to register multiple times and will continue to benefit from government schemes. Officials state that this smart card will act as a secure identity card for registered workers, linking their registration number to the government benefits they receive. This will help eliminate duplication and prevent ineligible workers from accessing welfare board schemes.
Cess will be fully digitalized
As per regulations, builders and construction companies are required to contribute 1 percent of the cost of each construction project to the Cess Board. This funding is utilized for various welfare schemes for registered construction workers. The proposed Cess Management Portal will completely digitize the cess (additional fee) collected from builders. It will provide details on when the cess was assessed, when it was paid, and how the funds were utilized. This will enhance transparency and support better planning.
Wastage of money will stop and accountability will increase
According to the DBOCWWB dashboard, there are currently approximately 2.62 lakh active registered construction workers in Delhi, while the Board has received 1.9 million registration applications so far. The new system will prevent repeated registrations of the same individual and weed out ineligible workers. This will prevent financial wastage and increase accountability. This system has been designed for approximately 3 million people, with special attention to unorganized and migrant workers.
