The Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (UPBOCW), established under the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996, is a pivotal initiative by the Uttar Pradesh government to enhance the welfare of construction workers.
Operating under the Labour Department, UPBOCW provides social security, financial aid, and welfare schemes to over 8 million unorganized workers in the state’s construction sector. This article explores the role, services, registration process, and impact of UPBOCW.
What is UPBOCW?
UPBOCW, accessible via upbocw.in, is a statutory body formed in 2009 under the UPBOCW Rules to regulate employment conditions and ensure the safety, health, and welfare of construction workers. Funded by a 1% cess on construction projects, the board addresses the challenges faced by workers, such as temporary employment, unsafe working conditions, and lack of basic amenities.
Key Welfare Schemes
UPBOCW offers a range of schemes to support registered workers and their families:
- Financial Assistance: Scholarships and tuition fee aid for workers’ children from primary to higher education.
- Maternity Benefits: Financial support for women workers for the first two institutional deliveries, limited to two childbirths.
- Pension Scheme: Monthly pension of ₹1,000 for workers aged 60+ with 10 years of registration, increasing by ₹50 every two years up to ₹1,250.
- Girl Child Assistance: Support for the first girl child, or the second if also a girl, including legally adopted daughters.
- Health and Accident Benefits: Compensation for medical expenses and workplace accidents.
- Skill Training: Free programs to enhance employability.
- Marriage and Death Benefits: Financial aid for workers’ family events or in case of demise.
Eligibility for Registration
To register with UPBOCW, workers must meet the following criteria:
- Resident of Uttar Pradesh.
- Aged 18–60 years.
- Engaged in construction work for at least 90 days in the past 12 months.
- Not enrolled in other central/state pension schemes (except ESIC/EPFO).
How to Register Online
- Visit the Portal:
- Go to upbocw.in and click Labour Registration/Correction under the “Worker” section.
- Enter Details:
- Provide Aadhaar number, district, mandal, mobile number, name, father’s/husband’s name, gender, date of birth, work type, construction days, address, nominee, and bank details.
- Upload Documents:
- Submit scanned copies of Aadhaar card, bank passbook, employment proof, and a recent passport-size photo. Pay a nominal fee (up to ₹50) via net banking, UPI, or card.
- Verify OTP:
- Enter the OTP sent to the registered mobile number and submit the form.
- Receive Confirmation:
- After verification, a Labour Card is issued, enabling access to schemes.
Checking Labour Card Status
- Access the Portal:
- Visit upbocw.in and go to Search Labour Profile under the “Public User” section.
- Enter Details:
- Input the registration number or Aadhaar number to view application status or download the Labour Card.
Key Features
- Online Accessibility: Registration, renewals, and scheme applications are available via the UPBOCW portal and UMANG app.
- Transparency: Track application status and cess payments online.
- Cess Collection: A 1% cess on construction costs funds welfare schemes.
- Grievance Redressal: Toll-free helpline (1800-180-5412) and email (support@upbocw.in) for support.
Challenges and Solutions
- Awareness: Many workers are unaware of benefits. UPBOCW conducts outreach programs and leverages social media.
- Technical Issues: Portal downtime is addressed by promoting the UMANG app.
- Verification Delays: Streamlined processes ensure faster approvals.
Impact on Workers
UPBOCW has transformed the lives of construction workers by:
- Providing financial security through pensions and aid.
- Enhancing education and skill opportunities for families.
- Improving workplace safety and health standards.
- Reducing exploitation in the unorganized sector.
As of 2025, millions of workers benefit from UPBOCW schemes, with the board’s initiatives like yoga events at Aatel Residential Schools showcasing its community engagement.