Punjab Construction Workers Welfare Scheme: Financial Aid for Spectacles, Dentures & Hearing Aids

The Denture, Spectacles & Hearing Aid Scheme is a welfare initiative provided by the Punjab Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (P.B.O.C.W.W.B) under the Department of Labour, Punjab. This scheme aims to assist registered construction workers and their family members by offering financial aid for purchasing spectacles, dentures, and hearing aids.

Benefits of the Scheme:

• Spectacle: ₹800/-
• Denture: ₹5,000/-
• Hearing Aid: ₹6,000/-

Note:

• Financial assistance will be provided on the recommendation of a Government Medical Officer or the Incharge of the E.S.I Dispensary.
• The benefit is available only once to the beneficiary or their family members.
• The financial assistance will be the lesser of the actual expenditure or the prescribed amount, based on the actual bills provided.

Eligibility:

For Registration as a Building/Construction Worker:

• Applicants must be Punjab residents.
• Unorganized Building/Construction Worker applicants are needed.
• The candidate must be 18–60.
• At least 90 days of building and construction activity per year is required.
• Applicants must have a monthly income of ₹15,000 or less.
• The applicant should not be a member of any other Welfare Fund established under any law.
• The applicant should not have membership of EPF, NPS, or ESIC.
• The applicant should not be an income taxpayer.

For Application of the Welfare Scheme:

• The applicant should be a registered member of the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board of Punjab, or should be a family member of a worker.
• The applicant must be paying contributions regularly.

Exclusions:

• If the beneficiary or their family member has already received financial assistance for spectacles, dentures, or hearing aids from any other department, they will not be eligible for benefits under this scheme.

Application Process:

Online Process (Via CSCs):

• Workers can register and apply for benefits through the Common Service Centers (CSCs).

Offline Process:

1. For new registration of workers, visit the nearest Sewa Kendra or Registering Officer/Labour Inspector.
2. To apply for benefits, approach the Sewa Kendra or Registering Officer/Labour Inspector of your area.

Registration with the Board:

• A construction worker becomes a member by filling out Application Form No. 28, paying a ₹25 registration fee (one-time), and a ₹10 monthly contribution fee.
• Workers can register for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years.

Important Links:

• Check Your Registration Application Status: Registered workers can check their status using the Registration Number.
• Download Registration Card: Registered workers can download their card using the Registration Number.
• Check your Scheme Application Status: Check the status using the Registration Number.
• CSC Locator: Find the nearest CSC.
• List of Sewa Kendra: Access the list of Sewa Kendra in your area.

Documents Required:

For Registration as a Building/Construction Worker:

• Age Proof (self-declaration if no proof is available).
• Residence Proof.
• Aadhar Card (if available).
• Bank Account Details (Bank branch, account number, IFSC code).
• Details of Dependents.
• Employer’s Certificate (Form No. 28) confirming 90 days of work in the last 12 months.
• Nomination Form (Form No. 27).

For Application of the Welfare Scheme:

• Prescription from a Government Medical Officer requiring medical aid.
• Bill attested by a Medical Officer or Civil Surgeon.
• Any other documents as required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Who can apply for the welfare scheme?
   Registered workers or their family members can apply for the welfare scheme.
2. For how long can a construction worker get registered at a time?
   A construction worker can register for 1 to 5 years.
3. What is the procedure for applying for the registration?
   Workers can apply online through CSCs or offline at Sewa Kendras.
4. Whom to apply for the registration?
   Workers should apply at the nearest Sewa Kendra or Labour Inspector.
5. What are the mandatory documents for the registration?
   Age proof, residence proof, Aadhar card, bank details, and employer’s certificate.
6. How much is the fee associated with the registration process?
   ₹25 registration fee (one-time) and ₹10 monthly contribution fee.
7. What is the rate of contribution?
   Workers contribute ₹10 per month to the welfare fund.
8. Who are the family members considered for the benefits?
   Immediate family members of the registered worker are considered.
9. Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
   Registered workers or their family members who meet the scheme’s criteria.
10. What types of financial assistance are available under this scheme?
    Assistance for spectacles (₹800), dentures (₹5,000), and hearing aids (₹6,000).
11. What form needs to be used to apply for this welfare scheme?
    The prescribed forms and documents must be submitted to the Sewa Kendra or Labour Inspector.
12. Whom to apply for getting benefits of welfare schemes?
    Approach the nearest Sewa Kendra or Registering Officer/Labour Inspector for applying.

Sources and References:

• Guidelines and Required Documents