– Funds to be utilized for the welfare of construction workers: Labour Minister
Chandigarh, August 27:
Punjab has registered a record labour cess collection of Rs 310 crore in the financial year 2024–25, the highest in the past four years. This marks a significant increase from Rs 203.94 crore in 2021–22, Rs 208.92 crore in 2022–23, and Rs 180 crore in 2023–24.
Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that this achievement reflects the concerted efforts of the Punjab Government to enhance compliance, improve transparency, and strengthen monitoring mechanisms related to labour welfare. The Labour Department, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has streamlined cess collection processes, and leveraged digital platforms to ensure accountability and efficiency.
He said that the government has reiterated its commitment to utilizing the collected funds for the welfare of construction workers, including better access to healthcare, education, skill development, and social security schemes. Sond further said that the robust increase is not only a financial milestone but also an indicator of improved governance and proactive policy implementation in the labour sector. It is pertinent to mention that the Labour Cess is primarily collected from construction-related activities and projects within the state to ensure safety, health and welfare of workers.
Labour Minister said that the Punjab Building & Other Construction workers welfare board & the Punjab Building Workers Welfare Board has simplified the terms and conditions of the various welfare schemes including Stipend Scheme, LTC Scheme, Shagun Scheme and all services/industrial schemes provided by Labour department under various Acts have been digitized.
