The Cost of Hearing Aid for the Construction Workers scheme is a welfare initiative by the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Labour Department, West Bengal. This program aims to support registered construction workers by reimbursing the cost of purchasing a hearing aid if required, thereby improving their quality of life and work efficiency.
Benefits
- Financial Reimbursement: Provides up to ₹5,000 towards the cost of a hearing aid.
- Improved Communication: Enhances the ability of construction workers to communicate effectively at work, thereby improving safety and productivity.
- Welfare Support: Aids in improving the overall health and well-being of workers in the construction sector.
Eligibility
For Registration as a Building/Construction Worker
- Must be a resident of West Bengal.
- Should be employed as a building/construction worker.
- Must be between 18 and 60 years of age.
- Should have engaged in building or construction work for at least 90 days in a given year.
For the Application of the Welfare Scheme
- The applicant must be a registered member under the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board of West Bengal.
Application Process
Registration as a Building/Construction Worker (Offline)
- Request Form-27:
- Applicants should request Form-27 from the Assistant Labour Commissioners/ Beneficiary Registering Officers.
- Submit Application:
- Complete the form with all mandatory documents (self-attested, if required) and submit it to the authorized officer along with a registration fee of ₹20.
- A yearly subscription fee of ₹30 is also collected, noted in the passbook, and a receipt is issued.
- Renewal:
- After one year, the subscription is renewed upon payment of ₹30 and submission of an application in Form-27A.
- Failure to renew results in cancellation of registration; reapplication is then required.
Application for the Welfare Scheme (Offline)
- Obtain Application:
- A registered worker must request the application format from the Assistant Labour Commissioners/ Beneficiary Registering Officers.
- Attach Documents:
- Fill in the application and attach all mandatory documents (self-attested, if required).
- Submit Application:
- Submit the completed application to the Member Secretary (BOCWWB) for processing.
Helpdesk Contacts:
- Labour Department, Government of West Bengal
12th Floor, N.S Building, Block-A,
1, Kiran Shankar Roy Road,
Kolkata-700001 - Helpline: Shramik Sathi – 1800-103-0009
Documents Required
For Registration as a Building/Construction Worker
- Four recent passport-size photographs of the worker.
- Attested copy of Proof of Age.
- Attested copy of Address Proof.
- Details of the establishment where the applicant is working.
- Proof of registration fee submission.
- Any other documents as required.
For the Application of the Welfare Scheme
- Identity Card of the registered member.
- Original bill/voucher of the purchased hearing aid.
- Any other document if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the age requirement for registration as a beneficiary under the BOCW Welfare Board of West Bengal?
A1: Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years of age.
Q2: Is there a minimum service requirement to register as a beneficiary?
A2: Yes, the applicant should have engaged in building or construction work for at least 90 days in a given year.
Q3: Who can apply for the welfare scheme?
A3: The scheme is available to registered building/construction workers of West Bengal who meet the eligibility criteria.
Q4: Who is responsible for registering a worker as a beneficiary?
A4: Registration is managed by the Assistant Labour Commissioners/ Beneficiary Registering Officers of the BOCW Welfare Board.
Q5: What is the procedure for applying for registration as a beneficiary?
A5: Applicants must complete Form-27 along with the required documents and submit it to the authorized officer, followed by the payment of the registration and subscription fees.
Q6: What happens after a construction worker is successfully verified for registration?
A6: The worker receives an identity card and a passbook where the fee details are recorded, enabling access to various welfare benefits.
Q7: What fees are associated with the registration process?
A7: A registration fee of ₹20 and a yearly subscription fee of ₹30 are required.
Q8: How is the yearly subscription fee documented?
A8: The fee is recorded in the passbook and a receipt is issued to the beneficiary.
Q9: What is the process for renewing the subscription after one year?
A9: Renewal requires a payment of ₹30 and submission of an application in Form-27A. Failure to renew leads to cancellation of registration.
Q10: Can a beneficiary reapply for renewal after cancellation?
A10: Yes, if the subscription is not renewed and registration is cancelled, a fresh application for renewal must be submitted to the ALC.
Q11: What criteria must an applicant meet to be considered for the hearing aid benefit?
A11: The applicant must be a registered building/construction worker under the BOCW Welfare Board and require a hearing aid for improved communication.
Q12: How much financial assistance is provided under this benefit?
A12: Reimbursement is provided up to ₹5,000 towards the cost of a hearing aid.
Q13: Where can the prescribed format be collected from?
A13: The prescribed format can be collected from the Assistant Labour Commissioners/ Beneficiary Registering Officers.
Q14: Where do I submit the application for this welfare scheme?
A14: The application should be submitted to the Member Secretary (BOCWWB) at the designated office.