Delhi Government to Introduce Smart Cards, Cess Portal to Benefit Construction Workers

New Delhi, April 23: The Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board has begun the process of engaging an agency to design, implement and operate the integrated digital platform.

Smart Cards for Workers

• Chip-enabled smart cards with encrypted data will be issued to all registered construction workers

• Renewed annually

• Will act as a single, secure identity linking registration number and benefits received

• Benefits migrant labourers who move across districts/states by ensuring uninterrupted access to welfare schemes without repeated registration

Cess Management Portal

• Will digitise collection of surcharge from builders (1% of any construction work)

• Track its journey from assessment to payment, ensuring transparency and improved planning

• Integrated online payment gateway for builders

Current Statistics

• Active registered construction workers in Delhi: ~2.62 lakh

• Registration applications received: 19 lakh

• Target coverage: Nearly 30 lakh people (focus on unregistered and migrant workers)

Expected Benefits

• Remove duplication and prevent ineligible persons from receiving benefits

• Strengthen Board's financial capacity for welfare schemes (health assistance, pensions, education support, insurance)

• Integration with e-Shram portal and other national platforms

• Aadhaar-based verification for authentication and dependent mapping