Construction workers represent one of the most at-risk groups within the Indian labor market, with a significant number engaged in the unorganized sector. Recognizing this vulnerability, nearly every state across India has established a Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board along with various welfare initiatives aimed at assisting these laborers. In Maharashtra, this board is referred to as the Maharashtra Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, commonly known as Mahabocw.
The Mahabocw is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for construction workers through the implementation of diverse programs. Furthermore, it maintains an official website that enables workers to register with the Board, apply for welfare schemes, and access multiple resources.
Overview of Maharashtra Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board
To govern employment and service conditions for building and other construction workers in India, the central government enacted the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service Act) in 1996. This legislation aims to provide essential safety, health, and welfare measures for these laborers.
In alignment with the Act, the Maharashtra government introduced the Maharashtra Building & Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Rules in 2007. A board was established involving five representatives from the government to manage the welfare of these workers.
Significant changes were made to the structure of Mahabocw, leading to the formation of a tripartite board through notifications issued in 2011, 2015, and 2018, with representation from government officials, employers, and laborers, alongside a chairman.
As of March 2019, the Board had amassed 18,75,510 registrations and supported 20,28,903 beneficiaries.
Notably, the Supreme Court has reprimanded Maharashtra’s Slum Rehabilitation Authority for its failure to register construction workers under protective laws.
Eligibility Criteria for Mahabocw Registration
For a construction worker to qualify for online registration with Mahabocw, they must meet the following criteria:
- The age must be between 18 and 60.
- The worker should have completed at least 90 days of employment in the previous year's duration.
Documentation Required for Online Registration with Mahabocw
To initiate registration with Mahabocw, candidates must complete Form-V and submit supporting documents, including:
- Identity verification documents
- Age verification materials
- Proof of residency
- Evidence of having worked for 90 days
- Three passport-sized photographs
The registration fees for workers in Maharashtra are nominal, comprising a Rs 25 registration fee and a Rs 60 annual subscription fee for the first five years. The subscription can be paid in two ways:
- A one-time fee of Rs 60 for five years.
- A monthly fee of Rs 1.
Process for Online Registration at Mahabocw
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide for online registration:
Step 1: Visit the official website at https://mahabocw.in/. Under the "Workers" section, select 'Worker Registration.'
Step 2: Review the eligibility criteria and required documents for registration.
Step 3: The registration form for construction workers will load on the subsequent page. Fill in your name, father’s name, Aadhaar number, date of birth, residential address, family details, bank information, employer details, and details of the 90-day work certificate.
Step 4: Submit the necessary supporting documents online. The registration form can be downloaded from the Mahabocw portal, which includes options for self-declaration, Aadhaar consent, 90-day work certificate, etc., under the 'Download' tab.
Step 5: Check the Declaration box, then click 'Save.'
Upon completion, you will obtain an acknowledgment number, which should be preserved for future reference. Additionally, you are required to present the original documents at the nearest WFC office for verification to finalize the process.
Welfare Programs Offered by Mahabocw
The Maharashtra Construction Workers Welfare Board runs four distinct welfare schemes for registered construction workers, aimed at providing social security, health care, education, and financial support to workers and their families.
Social Security Benefits Include
- Rs 30,000 reimbursement for first marriage costs
- Midday meal provisions
- Pradhan Mantri Sharm Yogi Maan-Dhan scheme
- Rs 5,000 for purchasing tools
- Jeevan Jyoti Vima Yojna from the Government of India
- Suraksha Vima Yojana from the Government of India
- Provision of emergency supplies
- Provision of first-aid kits.
Healthcare Initiatives
Expectant mothers receive financial aid during delivery, which includes:
- Rs 15,000 for normal deliveries
- Rs 20,000 for surgical deliveries
- Additional funds for registered workers or their families impacted by severe illnesses
- Financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for employees sustaining over 75% disability, along with regular health check-ups and Jan Aarogya Yojana of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.
Financial Support Programs Include
- Urban Atal Bandkam Kamgar Yojana
- Rural Atal Bandkam Kamgar Yojana
- A compensation of Rs 2 lakh for legal heirs following natural deaths
- Compensation of Rs 5 lakhs for legal heirs following accidents on construction sites
- Rs 10,000 funeral aid
- Annual financial assistance of Rs 24,000 for the widow or widower of registered workers
- Home loans of six lakhs or grants of two lakhs.
Educational Support
- Rs 2,500 annual aid for students from grades 1 to 7.
- Rs 5,000 for students in grades 8 to 10.
- Rs 10,000 yearly for students in classes 11 and 12.
- Degree students receive Rs 20,000 annually.
- Engineering students typically receive Rs 60,000 annually.
- The cost for a medical degree averages around one lakh rupees annually.
- Diploma course fees are approximately 20,000 to 25,000 rupees annually.
Online Services Provided by Mahabocw
The Mahabocw also offers various online services for its workers through its official website:
- Apply Online for Mahabocw Claim
To obtain Mahabocw benefits, workers must complete an online claim form. Select 'Construction Worker: Apply Online for Claim' on the homepage. On the following screen, choose the appropriate option from the dropdown menu, whether it pertains to a new claim or an update. Fill in your registration number and, if applicable, include your acknowledgment number and click 'Proceed to Form.'
- Online Renewal for Construction Workers
This service allows employees to renew their registration with the Maharashtra Building And Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. Begin by clicking 'Construction Worker Online Renewal' on the home page and provide your registration number for OTP verification. The renewal form will then appear, and you should fill it out with pertinent details such as the contractor’s name, company title, mobile number, work type, location specifics, and employment data, along with uploading necessary documentation. After selecting the self-declaration checkbox, click 'Save' and complete your application by visiting the nearest WFC office.