The Marriage Assistance scheme, implemented by the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board under the Labour Department of Odisha, is a dedicated welfare initiative designed to ease the financial burden associated with marriage. The scheme provides a marriage benefit of ₹50,000 to eligible beneficiaries, which covers the marriage of an unmarried female member or the marriage of two unmarried girl children (each above 18 years) from a registered worker’s family. A key condition is that the beneficiary must have been registered with the Board for at least one year.
Benefits
- Marriage Financial Assistance: A grant of ₹50,000 is provided to support the marriage expenses of an eligible beneficiary.
- Family Support: Benefit is available for up to two unmarried female members, ensuring holistic family welfare.
- Focused Assistance: If both spouses are registered beneficiaries, the benefit is extended to only one to avoid duplication.
Eligibility
For Registration as a Building/Construction Worker
- Must be a resident of Odisha.
- Must be employed as a building/construction worker.
- Age must be between 18 and 60 years.
- Must have engaged in building or construction work for at least 90 days in a given year.
- Should not be a member of any other welfare fund established under any law.
For the Application of the Welfare Scheme
- The applicant should be female.
- The applicant must be a registered member of the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board or an unmarried girl child (aged above 18 years) of a registered member.
- The registered member should have been enrolled with the Board for a minimum of one year.
Application Process
Registration Process as a Building/Construction Worker (Online)
- Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the Odisha BOCWW Board website.
- One Time Registration: Click on “One Time Registration” at the top right of the page.
- Declaration: Tick the declaration box and click “Proceed”.
- Fill in Details: Complete the required details carefully and click “Proceed”.
- OTP Verification: Enter the OTP received and click “Submit”.
- Account Creation: Your account will be successfully created, and a Username will be displayed (keep this for future reference).
Application Process for the Marriage Assistance Benefit
- Login: Visit the Applicant Login page of the Odisha BOCWW Board. Enter your Username, OTP, and captcha, then click “Sign In”.
- Provide Required Details: Fill in your General Details, Address Details, Family & Nominee Details, details of your work during the last year, Bank Details, etc., then click “Submit”.
- Select Benefit: In the menu bar, click on “Benefit”. From the list, select the Marriage Assistance benefit.
- Submit Application: Carefully fill in all mandatory fields and click “Submit” to complete the application process.
Additional Processes
- Application Status: Registered workers can check their application status by entering their Application Tracking Number on the designated link.
- Annual Contribution: Registered workers can pay the Annual Contribution using their Registration Number via the provided online link.
Documents Required
For Registration as a Building/Construction Worker
- Aadhaar Linked Bank Passbook Front Page Copy
- Passport Size Photo
- Aadhaar Card
- Signature of Applicant
- Employment Certificate
For the Application of the Welfare Scheme
- Photograph of the Couple.
- Copy of the Money Receipt of Annual Contribution.
- Copy of the Marriage Certificate issued by the concerned authority or a certificate by a Sarpanch/Chairman of Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad Member/Municipal Counsellor/Corporator/Executive Officer of Local Bodies regarding the solemnization of the marriage.
- Undertaking from the Applicant: A declaration stating that either the spouse is not a registered beneficiary under the Board or, if registered, has not applied for the benefit separately. If the spouse is registered, include the spouse’s Registration Number.
- Any other documents as required by the scheme guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the age requirement for registration as a beneficiary under the Odisha BOCWW Board?
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 must have engaged in building or construction work for at least 90 days in a given year.
Q3: Who can apply for the Marriage Assistance scheme?
A3: The scheme is available to female registered beneficiaries or to an unmarried girl child (aged above 18 years) of a registered member, provided the member has been enrolled for at least one year.
Q4: How many children can benefit from this scheme?
A4: Assistance is provided for a maximum of two unmarried female children.
Q5: What happens if both spouses are registered beneficiaries?
A5: In such cases, the benefit will be extended to only one spouse to avoid duplication.
Q6: How can eligible applicants apply for the scheme?
A6: Applicants can apply online through the Odisha BOCWW Board’s website following the registration and login processes as outlined above.
Q7: What if the applicant is a married woman at the time of registration?
A7: Only unmarried female members or their unmarried girl children are eligible for this benefit.
Q8: Can the marriage benefit be availed more than once by the same member?
A8: No, the benefit can be availed only once for a maximum of two beneficiaries.
Q9: What are the consequences of submitting fraudulent documents?
A9: Submitting fraudulent documents can lead to rejection of the application and permanent debarment from the scheme, along with possible legal consequences.