To safeguard the rights, welfare, and interests of labourers working in the construction field, the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act 1996 was enacted in 1996. As the world continues to get into digitization, the government has simplified the process, enabling stakeholders to register the BOCW online. The registration is an assurance of access of the construction workers to social security and serves as legal compliance by the contractors and employers.
What is BOCW Registration?
BOCW registration is a mandatory legal requirement for both:
- Construction Establishments: The BOCW Act requires companies, builders, and contractors that use more than 10 construction workers to carry out the project and register with the BOCW.
- Construction Workers: People who take part in construction-related jobs, such as masons, carpenters, electrical installers, plumbers, etc, will have to be affiliated with the State Labour Welfare Board in order to be entitled to welfare benefits.
Who Has to Register under BOCW?
For Employers/Contractors
Online registration of BOCW is mandatory in case of:
- Construction businesses employing 10 or more workers
- Developers of real estate
- Private contractors and Government
In case of Construction Workers
Workers are eligible if they:
- Between 18-60 years old Are
- Have done some kind of construction work for at least 90 days within the last 12 months
Advantages of BOCW Registration
For Construction Workers
- Maternity benefits and health benefits
- Post-retirement pension plans
- Accidental and death insurance
- Scholarships for the children
- Housing programs and skill development programs
For Employers
- The finding of the statutory requirements
- The ability to get into a government contract
- Escaping or averting fines and imprisonment based on labor laws
Documents Required for BOCW Registration Online
For Workers
- Aadhaar Card
- Address evidence (Voter ID, food stamps, electricity bill)
- Bank copy-pass book
- 3 photo passport-type
- Employer statement or certificate of work experience
- Document Proof of age (birth certificate or leaving certificate from school)
For Establishments
- The PAN card of the company
- Certificate of Incorporation (of companies)
- Office evidence
- A construction-designed plan
- Information about construction workers
- Trust proof of the employer
- Fee receipt
Legal Framework of BOCW Act
BOCW Act comes under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It is supposed to regulate the conditions of service of building and construction workers, creation of safety and provision of welfare benefits. To make this process more transparent and convenient, the state-specific portals have optimized the process of BOCW registration online.
Step-by-Step Process for BOCW Registration Online
Step 1: Visit the Labour Welfare Board Portal
Each state opens a labor-related portal. You must choose your respective state to be able to register.
Step 2: Login to the Account
Sign up with your email ID, mobile number, and Aadhaar number to create login credentials.
Step 3: Type of Registration to Select
Select your role by either clicking on Worker Registration or Establishment Registration.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Give correct information, including personal details, working records, or establishment/ project details.
Step 5: Upload Documents Requirement
Scan and post all the required papers in the required form (PDF/JPEG under the limit of size).
Step 6: Pay the Processing Fee
An option to pay is available through net banking, UPI and debit card. The increase is different according to state.
Step 7: Apply and Follow up on the Application
After making the submission, a reference number will be generated, and this can be used to follow up on the status of your BOCW online registration.
State-Wise online BOCW Portals
Each Indian states have its respective portal
- Delhi: delhi.gov.in
- Uttar Pradesh: in
- Maharashtra: in
- Karnataka: karnataka.gov.in
- Tamil Nadu: tn.gov.in
Select an appropriate portal according to where you live and go through the steps given.
Typical Problems of Online BOCW Registration
- The problem with the uploading of documents is due to the size of the documents
- Improperly filled or unfilled application forms
- Non-disclaimer by employers to employees
- Late authorization because of the incompatibility of personal details
- State-specific portal technical problems
Ways of Preventing Registration Delays
- Make sure that all documents are visible and up to date
- Certain information such as Aadhaar, date of birth, and work experience, should be checked
- Take up the recommended browsers on the portal
- Consult an expert when you are not conversant with the online processes
Role of Labour Consultants and Legal Experts
A labor law consultant can:
- Assist in the accurate filing of the forms
- Advise on applicable welfare schemes
- Ensure you don’t miss out on important benefits
- Help in solving crises or late approvals
A number of employers and employees would rather seek the services of skilled practitioners to conduct BOCW registration online so that there can be no errors in the connection.
Renewal and validity of BOCW Registration
For Workers
- Valid: 1-3 years (each state dependent)
- Renewable online: With new employment evidence and papers
For Establishments
- Applicable until the construction business is completed
- Should be revised or replaced in case of the growing worker strength
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Employers who do not register would be fined up to 2,000 INR and more penalties should they default
- Unregistered workers are not supposed to enjoy welfare schemes or total compensation in cases of accidents
Conclusion
Construction workers and employers can easily find welfare and meet legal requisites because the online process of BOCW registration has made it simpler. Being a daily wage earner, a mason or a site supervisor, or a full-scale developer, being BOCW compliant can protect rights, unlock benefits, and evade legal obstacles.
Additionally, it is best practice to enroll through the authorized websites of your state. If you encounter any confusion, consider seeking assistance from a labor welfare professional to guide you through the process.
