Punjab Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated that several welfare schemes have been simplified to make them more accessible to workers. He explained that under the ‘Shagun Scheme’ of the Punjab Building Workers Welfare Board, the earlier requirement for a Tehsildar-issued marriage certificate has been removed. Now, a certificate from the religious institution where the marriage took place, along with a self-declaration from both families, is sufficient.
Minister Tarunpreet Sond added that the scheme provides Rs 51,000 to eligible beneficiaries. Maternity benefits have also been simplified: female construction workers can now receive Rs 21,000 and male workers Rs 5,000 upon submission of the child’s birth certificate, eliminating the previous requirement for the child’s Aadhaar card.
Additionally, the Punjab Labour Welfare Board has done away with the need for a registered marriage certificate to avail the Shagun Scheme. Workers can now submit photographs of the religious venue and the officiating religious personalities to claim benefits.
The also mentioned that the two-year service condition for labourers under the ‘Stipend Scheme’ for their children has been removed. Now, labourers can access the stipend benefits immediately after making contributions.
Minister Tarunpreet Sond further noted that MNREGA workers who have completed over 90 days of work are being encouraged to register with the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board to avail all associated benefits. He added that a budget of Rs 1 crore has been allocated to raise awareness about these welfare schemes, as approved in the 55th Punjab Labour Welfare Board meeting in February 2025.