Punjab Labour department simplifies several schemes: Sond
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â MNREGA workers are being encouraged to register with Welfare Board
Chandigarh, August 13:
         Punjab Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that several schemes have been simplified to ensure ease of access for workers. He said that in ‘Shagun Scheme’ of the Punjab Building Workers Welfare Board, the earlier requirement of a marriage certificate issued by a Tehsildar has been removed. Now, a certificate from the religious institution where the marriage was solemnized, along with a self-declaration from both families, will suffice.
         Sond said that under this scheme, an amount of Rs 51,000 is provided. Similarly, maternity benefits of Rs 21,000 for female construction workers and Rs 5,000 for male workers are now provided upon submission of the child’s birth certificate only, removing the earlier requirement of a child’s Aadhaar card.
         Similarly, the condition of registered marriage certificate in Punjab Labour Welfare Board had also done away to get the benefit of shagun scheme. Now labourers could avail the benefit of shagun scheme by submitting photographs of religious place and religious personalities, who got the marriages solemnized.
         Labour Minister further said that Punjab Labour Welfare Board has also abolished two year service condition of labourers under ‘stipend scheme’ for their children. Labourers could get the benefit of stipend scheme from the day of making contributions.
         Sond further informed that MNREGA workers who have completed over 90 days of work are being encouraged to register with the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board to avail all associated benefits. He said that a budget of Rs 1 crore has been passed for the awareness of Welfare Schemes in 55th Punjab Labour Weflare Board meeting in February 2025.
