Registrations of construction workers in Telangana have risen sharply from 5.9 lakh in 2014-2015 to nearly 14 lakh in 2022-23, signalling a robust real estate and infrastructure sector. The pandemic years saw a particular boost in registrations, as workers sought to secure access to welfare schemes. The Telangana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board also saw a significant increase in collected cess, used for worker welfare, from 95 crore in 2014-15 to 830 crore in 2022-23. This trend showcases the state's commitment to worker welfare and points towards continued economic growth.
The state of Telangana has observed a remarkable surge in the number of registered construction workers, from 5.9 lakh in 2014-2015 to almost 14 lakh in 2022-23. This significant growth can be attributed to a thriving real estate and infrastructure industry, coupled with an increased awareness among workers about the importance of being registered, especially during uncertain times like the recent pandemic.
Amid the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly 2021-22, the rate of year-on-year growth in construction worker registrations with the Telangana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (TBOCW) exceeded expectations. The pandemic, which impacted livelihoods and incomes dramatically, compelled many workers to register, ensuring their eligibility for essential welfare schemes.
This trend of increased registrations was paralleled by a substantial rise in the board's collected cess, a fund dedicated to financing health and welfare measures for workers. Remarkably, the cess collected by the board skyrocketed from 95 crore in 2014-15 to a whopping 830 crore in 2022-23.
Labour Day, globally recognized as May Day, is celebrated annually on May 1, acknowledging the myriad accomplishments and invaluable contributions of workers to society. The heightened registrations during this period underscored the workers' proactive stance in securing their rights and benefits.
Since 2014, around 1.5 lakh construction workers have been added to the registry, with projections indicating that the figure could reach 3.5 lakh by the end of 2021-22. This growth is indicative of the robust real estate and infrastructure sectors in Telangana, attracting a significant workforce to contribute to the state's development.
Concurrent with the increase in worker registrations, spending on welfare schemes also witnessed a considerable boost, from 30 crore in 2014-15 to 400 crore in 2022-23.
In total, the board offers ten schemes for registered workers, addressing various needs, such as compensation for fatal accidents, support for funeral expenses, and disability benefits. For unregistered workers, a select few schemes are available, including relief in case of death at work, skill development training, and support for artificial limbs. These measures aim to provide a safety net for workers while enhancing their skills and employability.
In conclusion the unprecedented increase in registered construction workers in Telangana is emblematic of a resilient real estate and infrastructure sector. This trend also emphasizes the importance of worker registration for the provision of welfare schemes. With continued growth in these sectors, Telangana is poised to drive substantial economic development, bolstered by a workforce that is increasingly aware of its rights and benefits.
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