(a) whether a cess on construction sector has been proposed for the benefit of construction workers;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether a large number of construction workers are unskilled;
(d) if so, whether there is any scheme to train these workers; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU)
(a) to (e): Under the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1996, there is a provision for collection of cess @ 1% on all construction projects costing more than Rs. 10.00 lakhs and employing more than 10 workers towards financing various welfare activities for the benefit of construction workers. The responsibility for enforcement of the Act entirely rests with the State Governments/Union Territories. With a view to evolving a credible system of skill testing and certification of construction workers and to identify the institutions/NGOs who will be engaged for testing and certification, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme has recently been started by the Government. The Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) has also developed several different trades/areas for skill development of construction workers.