Recommends High-Level Probe to CM
Out of 2.21 lakh registrations, only around 14,000 found eligible, nearly 1.93 lakh labour registrations fake — major revelation in Labour Department inquiry
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh—
Due to the vigilant and stringent oversight of Haryana’s Labour Minister Anil Vij, serious irregularities related to work slips (work receipts) prevailing for a long time in the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, functioning under the Labour Department, have come to light. Preliminary investigations suggest that the scam could amount to approximately Rs.1,500 crore. Considering the gravity of the matter, Vij has written to the Chief Minister, recommending a thorough investigation by a reputed agency.
Sharing details, the Labour Minister said that recently he chaired a meeting of the Board, during which irregularities were found not only in the appointment of Board members but also in the distribution of benefits under welfare schemes meant for construction workers. Following this, he ordered an immediate inquiry.
Verification of work slips issued between August 2023 and March 2025 underway — Vij
Vij said that initial investigations were conducted in Hisar, Kaithal, Jind, Sirsa, Faridabad and Bhiwani districts, where large-scale irregularities were detected. Subsequently, instructions were issued to Deputy Commissioners of all districts to constitute district-level committees comprising a Labour Department officer along with three other officers. These committees are carrying out physical verification of online work slips issued between August 2023 and March 2025. The verification process began around four months ago, and 100 percent verification has been completed in 13 districts so far.
Only 53,249 work slips valid; 5,46,509 found invalid
The Labour Minister informed that in the 13 districts—Karnal, Rewari, Nuh (Mewat), Mahendragarh, Gurugram, Jhajjar, Palwal, Panipat, Rohtak, Sonipat, Panchkula, Sirsa and Kaithal—a total of 5,99,758 work slips were issued. Of these, only 53,249 were found to be valid, while 5,46,509 were declared invalid. Similarly, out of 2,21,517 labour registrations, only 14,240 workers were found eligible after verification, whereas 1,93,756 registrations were found to be invalid.
Vij said it has become clear that in many places entire villages were fraudulently registered and work slips were generated so that ineligible persons could avail benefits of government schemes. On average, a worker receives benefits worth around Rs.2.5 lakh under various schemes, which could result in a massive financial loss to the government. He said that “Those who are not eligible are availing benefits. This is outright loot, causing the government a financial loss running into hundreds of crores.”
He further said that the verification committees are examining all aspects, including authenticity of workplaces, actual participation in construction activities, employer details, local inquiries and field inspections. During the verification period, RTS timelines were stopped, SARAL Centres were instructed not to accept new applications, and necessary information was issued to all grievance redressal platforms including CM Window, Jan Samvad, CPGRAMS, HHRC, HRTSC etc. Sh. Vij clarified that already approved pension schemes have not been stopped, while benefits under death, accident and funeral assistance schemes are being released on priority.
No compromise on corruption at any level; strict action against the guilty
He added that Haryana Government implements several welfare schemes for construction workers, including maternity and paternity benefits, education assistance, scholarships, reimbursement for technical education, pensions, marriage assistance, medical aid, housing loans and accident compensation, aimed at empowering genuine workers. These benefits should reach only those workers who are duly registered after verification of at least 90 days of work. The Labour Minister reiterated that there will be no compromise on corruption at any level and strict action will be ensured against those found guilty.
Various welfare schemes benefit construction workers
Vij outlined the various benefits provided to registered construction workers in Haryana including Maternity benefit of Rs. 36,000, Paternity benefit of Rs. 21,000, Educational financial support for workers’ children ranging from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 20,000 annually (from primary to higher education), Merit-based scholarships between Rs. 21,000 and Rs. 51,000 for children scoring 60% to 90% in 10th/12th exams, Reimbursement of full academic expenses for children pursuing professional or technical courses as per actual government expenses, Hostel facility aid up to Rs.1.2 lakh for children of workers in vocational institutes, Coaching assistance for vocational courses from Rs.20,000 to Rs.1 lakh, Incentive of Rs. 50,000 for registered workers’ daughters to purchase an electric scooter and Laptop grant of Rs. 49,000 under the CM Shram Yogi Pratibha Yojana.
Additionally, the other benefits, which are being given to the workers including Rs. 5,000 for bicycle purchase, Rs. 8,000 tool grant, Rs. 4,500 for a sewing machine, Rs. 5,100 under the CM Women Construction Worker Samman Scheme, under the Kanyadaan Yojana Rs.1,01,00 for the marriage of up to three daughters of registered workers, Rs. 50,000 for the self-marriage of a female worker, Full reimbursement of actual second-class train or regular bus fare for pilgrimages or visits to historical sites, Reimbursement of travel expenses for visiting one’s ancestral home, Medical assistance including wage compensation based on minimum wage, Financial assistance up to Rs.1 lakh for treatment of Chronic deseases, Disability support ranging from Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh, Disability pension of Rs.3,000/month, Rs. 3,000/month for children with disabilities, Old age pension (after age 60) of Rs.3,500/month, Family pension of Rs. 1,750/month, Widow pension of Rs. 3,000/month, Under the Mukymantri Shramik Samajik Suruksha Yojna Rs. 5,15,000 compensation for accidental death at the workplace, Rs. 1.5 to 3 lakh for disability at the workplace for unregistered workers and Rs. 4 lakh in case of death of an unregistered worker at the workplace.
He also said that Interest-free loan up to Rs. 2 lakh for house purchase/construction and Rs. 1,100 incentive under the Mukyamantri Panjikaran Protsahan Yojna. He clarified that to receive these benefits, workers must register with the labour board. Registration is granted only after verification that the worker has been worked for over 90 days.