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What is the BOCW Act and why is it important?

In India, about 350 million workers are in the unorganized sector. Half of these are in the building and other construction work considered the most vulnerable segment of the unorganized labor sector. Around 60% are either illiterate or educated up to class V, which is the primary reason behind these workers’ lack of awareness and education.

The construction industry has inherent issues that make worker safety and security a top priority. The workers or laborers associated with the sector have:

  • Temporary relationship with the employer
  • Temporary engagement period
  • Vigorous time and work conditions 
  • Inadequate or absence of basic amenities
  • High risk to lives

Though the Factories Act., of 1948 provides a guide on worker health and safety for the industrial sector, it has limited coverage, especially in the building and construction sector. To handle this, the “Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996,” more commonly known as BOCW Act., was introduced by the central government of India. It is a comprehensive law that takes corrective measures to deal with construction workers’ grievances and regulates their health, safety, welfare and other conditions.

The extensive coverage provided under the BOCW act includes:

  • Safe and healthy working environment
  • Quick help in case of mishaps and accidents
  • Financial aid for children’s education 
  • Medical expense cover in case of significant ailments
  • pension and housing provisions
  • Awareness and skill development

Now GOI has mandated every state government to constitute its BOCW boards. There is a further need to add real, long-term value to the ecosystem by providing awareness about the BOCW Act along with training and upskilling these workers. This can be achieved by formulating and implementing skill frameworks by keeping other countries’ frameworks as reference points.

References:

  1. https://clc.gov.in/clc/acts-rules/building-and-other-construction-workers#:~:text=19th%20August%2C%20.-,1996.,(27%20of%201996)
  2. https://www.turbocomply.com/bocw/
  3. https://ijpiel.com/index.php/2022/05/18/labour-legislations-and-the-indian-construction-sector-an-overview/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3617510/