The Urban Health Kiosk Scheme is a welfare program under the Department of Labour, Punjab, initiated by the Punjab Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (P.B.O.C.W.W.B). This scheme offers essential health facilities to registered construction workers and their families residing in urban slum areas through health kiosks run by the Punjab Health Society.
Health Services Provided:
- General health services and general check-ups
- Health education and awareness activities
- Basic first aid and treatment
- Health check-ups regarding diseases like Silicosis and many other diseases present among construction labor
Benefits of Scheme:
- Primary Health Care: Availability and affordability of health services among the labor class and their family.
- Accessibility with Convenience: In the areas of slum sites, kiosks of health centers have been created in slum locations that provide healthcare, as well. They educate about their health especially related to the disease such as Silicosis.
- Free or Subsidized Services: The services are free or heavily subsidized for the registered workers. Thus, this facility is quite accessible to low-income groups.
- First Aid and Emergency Services: Immediate access to first aid and emergency health services in case of injuries or accidents.
Eligibility:
To be Registered as a Building/Construction Worker:
- The applicant must be a resident of Punjab.
- The applicant must be a Building/Construction Worker (unorganised sector worker).
- The applicant should be between 18 and 60 years of age.
- The worker must have worked in building and construction for at least 90 days in the past year.
- The applicant must have a monthly income of ₹15,000 or below.
- The worker should not be a member of any other welfare fund established under any law.
- The worker must not be a member of Employees Provident Fund (EPF), National Pension System (NPS), or Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
- The worker should not be an income taxpayer.
For Welfare Scheme Application:
- The applicant should be a registered member of the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board or a family member of a worker.
- The worker must be suffering from a primary disease to apply for the welfare scheme.
Application Process:
Online Process (Via CSCs):
- Construction workers can register online through Common Service Centers (CSCs) in their area.
Offline Process:
- Workers can register at the Sewa Kendra or approach the Registering Officers/Labour Inspector for offline registration.
Registration Process:
- For new registrations, visit a Sewa Kendra or the Labour Inspector.
- To apply for the welfare scheme, approach the nearest Sewa Kendra or Registering Officer/Labour Inspector.
Registration with the Board:
- Fill out Application Form No. 28, pay a one-time ₹25 registration fee and a ₹10 monthly contribution fee.
- Workers can register for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years.
Documents Required:
For Registration as a Building/Construction Worker:
- Age Proof (or self-declaration if no proof is available).
- Residence Proof.
- Aadhaar Card (if available).
- Bank Account Details (including Bank branch, account number, and IFSC code).
- Details of Dependents.
- Employer’s Certificate (Form No. 28, confirming at least 90 days of construction work in the last 12 months).
- Nomination Form (Form No. 27).
For Application of the Welfare Scheme:
- Registration ID of the worker.
- Any other relevant documents (if required).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Who can apply for the welfare scheme?
Registered workers and their families can apply for the welfare scheme. - Who can benefit from the Urban Health Kiosk Scheme?
Registered construction workers and their families living in slum areas can benefit from the scheme. - Where are the health kiosks located?
The kiosks are located in urban slum areas where construction workers are concentrated. - Who operates the health kiosks?
The kiosks are operated by Punjab Health Society under the scheme. - What type of health services are provided at the kiosks?
Primary health services, health education, first aid, and disease monitoring services. - Is there any cost involved for workers to access these services?
Most services are free or subsidized for registered workers. - Whom should a worker approach for benefits under the welfare scheme?
Approach the nearest Sewa Kendra or Registering Officer.