Employers of 10 or more building or other construction workers must register the establishment with the state registering officer under the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996, and pay welfare cess, generally 1% of construction cost, under the related Cess Act. These provisions are being carried into the labour codes, so confirm the regime your state applies.
Who must register
- Builders and developers
- Contractors employing construction workers
- Government and private projects above the threshold
Registration process
- Apply online on the state labour portal with project details.
- Provide estimated cost, duration and worker numbers.
- Pay the registration fee.
- Receive the certificate.
Welfare cess
Cess is paid on the cost of construction, often deducted at source by approving authorities, and funds state welfare boards.
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- Safety measures at sites
- Registers and returns
- Facilitate worker registration with welfare boards
Frequently asked questions
Does BOCW apply to individual house construction?
Residential construction for personal use below the cost threshold notified is generally excluded.
Who pays BOCW cess?
The employer or project owner pays the cess based on construction cost.
Can workers register themselves?
Yes. Construction workers register with the state welfare board to access benefits.
What is the penalty for not registering?
Penalties and interest apply under the Act and state rules, and projects may face stop-work actions.
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