Punjab Government Announces Free Registration for 1 Million Construction Workers

July 13, 2026

The Punjab government has announced a major welfare initiative for construction workers across the state. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has declared that the government will bear the entire cost of registering and renewing the registrations of 1 million construction workers, ensuring that more laborers can access government welfare schemes and social security benefits.

The announcement was made during a review meeting of the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. The initiative is aimed at improving the living standards of workers and strengthening their access to welfare programs.

No Registration Fee for Workers

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that many workers avoid registration because of the ₹145 registration fee. To address this issue, the government has decided to waive the fee entirely during a special registration drive. The state government will spend approximately ₹15 crore to facilitate the registration of around one million workers. Additionally, if a registered worker does not avail of any welfare scheme within a year, the government will continue to cover the registration renewal cost.

Special Registration Camps Across Punjab

At present, only 221,000 workers are registered with the Welfare Board despite the large-scale construction activity taking place across Punjab. To increase enrollment, the government will organize special registration camps throughout the state. The Labour Department has been instructed to conduct camps in villages during evening hours so that workers can complete their registration after returning from work.

Improved Facilities for Workers

The Chief Minister also directed officials to improve facilities at labour gathering points, commonly known as labour chowks. He emphasized the need for proper shelters and drinking water facilities to ensure workers have basic amenities while waiting for employment opportunities.

Faster Processing of Welfare Applications

The government has significantly reduced the processing time for welfare scheme applications. Earlier, approvals took an average of 203 days. The Punjab government has now reduced the processing period to 73 days, enabling workers to receive benefits more quickly.

Focus on Skill Development

To enhance workers’ earning potential and employability, the government will provide skill training in various trades. Data of 50,000 registered workers will be shared with the Punjab Skill Development Mission for this purpose. Training programs will cover masonry, bar bending, shuttering carpentry, scaffolding, painting, electrical work, surveying, road construction, fabrication, and other technical skills.

The initiative is expected to improve productivity and create better employment opportunities for workers.

Special Attention to Women Workers

The Chief Minister also instructed officials to ensure that women construction workers receive the full benefits of government welfare schemes. Particular emphasis was placed on providing financial assistance under the “Mawan-Dhiyan Satkar Scheme.” The review meeting was attended by Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and several senior government officials.

Strengthening Social Security for Workers

The Punjab government’s decision to provide free registration and renewal for construction workers is being viewed as a significant step toward expanding social security coverage and improving access to welfare benefits. Through registration drives, faster service delivery, skill development programs, and targeted support for women workers, the initiative aims to improve the overall well-being and economic prospects of Punjab’s construction workforce.