In Brief
This judgment addresses the implementation of the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996, focusing on ensuring collected welfare cess benefits reach vulnerable migrant workers. The Court found that while cess collection had increased to ₹37,482 crores and utilization to ₹9,491 crores, significant gaps remained in reaching intended beneficiaries. The Court directed the Ministry of Labour to establish mechanisms for ESI coverage, education, pensions, shelter, and health benefits for construction workers. It mandated that a Monitoring Committee meeting include civil society representatives, NGOs, and audit oversight to ensure transparent, accountable allocation of these substantial welfare funds to the poorest and most marginalized construction workers nationwide.
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