Why This Act
In building and other construction works more than eight million workers are engaged throughout the country. These workers are one of the most vulnerable segments of the unorganized labour in India. Their work is of temporary nature, the relationship between employer and the employee is temporary, working hours are uncertain. Basic amenities and welfare facilities provided to these workers are inadequate.
Risk to life and limb is also inherent. In the absence of adequate statutory provisions to get the requisite information regarding the number and nature of accidents was quite difficult and due to this to fix responsibility or taking corrective measures was not an easy job. Although the provisions of certain Central Acts were applicable to the building and other construction workers yet a need was felt for a comprehensive Central Legislation for regulating the safety, welfare, and other conditions of service of these workers.
The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill having been passed by both the Houses of Parliament received the assent of the President on 19th August, .1996. It came on the Statute Book as THE BUILDING AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION WORKERS (REGULATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE) ACT, 1996 (27 of 1996).
APPLICABILITY OF THE ACT
- It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 1st day of March 1996.
- It applies to every establishment which employs or had employed on any day of the preceding twelve months, ten or more building workers in any building or other construction work.