Understanding the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act in Punjab
Each state operates its own Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Board. This particular Act possesses expansive scope, particularly within the nation where the infrastructure and construction sectors are thriving. The fundamental aim and structure inherent within this Act run parallel with distinct labor law statutes.
Applicability of the BOCW Act
This Act becomes relevant to any company that employed a minimum of ten construction workers during the prior twelve months.
Who Requires the BOCW Punjab Registration Certificate?
A registration certificate is necessary upon establishing an institution to which the BOCW Act is applicable, specifically within 60 days of its establishment. Furthermore, concerning any establishment to which the BOCW Act becomes applicable at any time following such commencement, the registering officer retains the discretion to consider applications submitted after the specified time frame, provided convincing justification exists for the applicant's failure to meet the initial deadline.
- Every application submitted under this section must adhere to the stipulated format, encompass all mandated information, and incorporate the designated fees.
- Upon receipt of the application, the registering officer will proceed to register the establishment. Subsequently, it issues a Registration Certificate to the employer, all within the prescribed manner, timeframe, and under the established conditions.
- In the event of alterations to an establishment's ownership, management, or other prescribed details post-registration under this section, the employer bears the responsibility of notifying the designated officer within a thirty-day period.
Advantages of Possessing a BOCW Punjab Registration Certificate
Below are some key advantages associated with obtaining the BOCW Punjab Registration Certificate:
- Facilitating pension payments, offering death and funeral benefits, extending maternity benefits, and granting permission to procure job-related equipment.
- Ensuring access to immediate medical attention in the event of an accident.
- Streamlining financial assistance for home construction endeavors.
- Providing educational support for the children.
Essential Documents for BOCW Punjab Registration
The subsequent documentation is required:
- Address verification.
- Age verification.
- Identity proof.
- Bank details, to include the bank's branch, account number, IFSC, and RTGS number.
- Dependent information, the nomination form, in addition to the employer’s certificate attesting to the applicant's employment as a construction worker for a minimum duration of 90 days.
BOCW Punjab Registration Procedure
- The applicant who wishes to register must commence by registering on the official BOCW Punjab website. As part of the registration process, the applicant is required to establish an ID utilizing a valid email address.
- Upon successful creation of the login ID, the applicant must complete all relevant details pertaining to the foundation, encompassing information such as the foundation’s residence, details of the workers, employer-related information, construction specifics, and a declaration, all within the basic information form.
- The subsequent step involves managing all documents to ensure they adhere to the proper format and size specifications, followed by attaching them to the application form.
- Subsequently, it is imperative to remit payment; this can be facilitated through your preferred method, whether it be online or offline.
- Certificates will be issued should the application and supporting documentation align with established guidelines and requirements.
Reminder: Applicants retain the ability to monitor the status of their application online, and any relevant updates will be communicated to the registered mobile number and email address.
BOCW Registration Cancellation in Punjab
Should the officer ascertain that the registration is a result of concealing or misrepresenting pertinent facts, that the stipulated requirements of this Act are not being met in relation to any work executed by any establishment, or that registration is rendered ineffective or futile for any other reason, the officer possesses the authority to cancel the registration following the provision of a hearing opportunity.
Penalties or Punishment for Act Violations
An employer who neglects to furnish a starting notice for a building or alternative construction project, as mandated under the Act’s Provision, may face a maximum sentence of three months imprisonment, incur a fine of up to Rs 2,000, or encounter both penalties.
An individual who impedes an inspector, declines to comply with an offer, or intentionally disregards stipulations outlined by the Act concerning a firm, may be subject to imprisonment for a duration of up to three months.