Assam levies building cess for workers

Keeping in view the welfare and social security of construction workers in the state, the Assam government has put in force the Building and Other construction Workers' (regulation of employment and conditions of service) Act 1996 and Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Cess Act 1996 with immediate effect.

As per the provision of the act, the establishments which undertake construction work for value exceeding Rs. 10 lakh will have to pay 1 per cent cess of the total value to the Assam 'Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board', constituted by the labour and employment department.

The cess levied would be collected from every employer as deduction at source by a government department or of a public sector undertaking or advance collection through a local authority where approval of such work by such local authority is required, stated an official release.

The cess so collected would be utilised for various social security and welfare measures of the construction workers, viz.; maternity benefit to female workers, pension to retired workers, advance for construction of houses, disability pension, payment for accidental death during work, etc.

The release added that defaulting construction agency will be liable for punishment with imprisonment for six months or fine or with both. The main objectives of the legislation are to provide safety and health measures for the construction and other workers, besides regulating their employment and conditions of services, including social security and welfare measures.