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 mentioned changes under the ‘Shagun Scheme’ of the Punjab Building Workers Welfare Board. They have removed the earlier requirement of a marriage certificate issued by a Tehsildar. Now, they accept a certificate from the religious institution where the marriage was solemnized, along with a self-declaration from both families.
Sond said that under this scheme, an amount of Rs 51,000 is provided. Maternity benefits of Rs 21,000 are now provided to female construction workers. Male workers receive Rs 5,000. These benefits are given upon submission of the child’s birth certificate only. This removes 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 can avail the benefit of the Shagun Scheme by submitting photographs of the religious place and the religious personalities who solemnized the marriages.
Punjab Labour Minister further said that Punjab Labour Welfare Board has also abolished the two-year service condition of labourers. This change is under the ‘stipend scheme’ for their children. Labourers could get the benefit of stipend scheme from the day of making contributions.
Sond further informed that the department is encouraging MNREGA workers who have completed over 90 days of work. They should register with the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. This will allow them to avail all associated benefits. He said that the Punjab Labour Welfare Board passed a budget of Rs 1 crore. The purpose of this budget is to raise awareness of Welfare Schemes. This decision occurred in its 55th meeting in February 2025.
