Maharashtra government has constituted a welfare board to utilise funds, collected by levying one per cent cess on construction activity of over Rs 10 lakh, for implementation of welfare schemes for construction workers.

Labour Minister Hasan Mushrif told reporters here today that as per the Building and Other Construction Workers (regulation of employment and conditions of service) Act 1996 of the Central government, a tripartite welfare board, headed by Labour Commissioner, has been constituted on May 1 this year.

"So far, Rs 141 crore cess has been deposited in the account of the board till now. It is expected that approximately Rs 1,000 crore will be collected annually. With this fund, various welfare schemes like provident fund, health insurance, pension, gratuity as well as other benefits as decided by the board will be given to the construction workers," the minister informed.

To support the board in implementation of these welfare schemes, one per cent cess on the cost of construction excluding the land value will be deposited in the account of the board. The amount will have to be deposited at the time of granting of occupation certificate or completion certificate.

He said the state government's GR on levying one per cent cess and constituting the board, along with detailed guidelines regarding registration of construction workers was issued on July 2010.

Mushrif said any worker involved in the construction of buildings, bridges, roads, who is aged between 18-60 years and who has worked for at least 90 days in the last 12 months will be eligible for registration.

"While those who have worked with more than one employer during that period can get registered provided they submit documents from such employers or certificate from registration officer of the board or from the concerned labour officer or gramsevak/talati or from the ward officer of the municipal corporation," Mushrif said.

Officers who are concerned with construction activities, the chief officer of municipal councils, construction workers' organisations, national or state level reputed NGOs or registered organisations of employees can also provide the certificate, he added.

The minister said employers will be required to pay for the labourer's compensation, provide safety equipment, clean drinking water, creche facility, toilets, first aid, and canteen facility.