HC Directs Delhi Govt to Expedite Const Workers Registration

The Delhi high court told the AAP government that there should be "no laxity" in registration of workers with the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare (BOCWW) Board so that they can get the ex-gratia of Rs 5,000 during the prevailing pandemic. The high court suggested to the board, which comes under the Delhi government, to consider online verification of the applications for registration or its renewal to minimise human to human contact in view of the prevailing pandemic. The Board, represented by Delhi government additional standing counsel Sanjoy Ghose, said the court's suggestion would be considered. The Board also told the court that it has accepted the Delhi State Legal Services Authority's (DSLSA) offer of 100 lawyers empanelled with it for verification of the applications at a honorarium of Rs 1,800 per day. The bench, while leaving this aspect to the two authorities, said the "Board should not lose sight that the exercise is being carried out to expedite the registration of the workers and there should be no laxity". The high court also directed that once the lawyers give their verification report approving registration or renewal, the Board should act upon it and not re-verify the same. The board in consultation with DSLSA, should prepare a check list or guidelines on the aspects that the authorised advocates will have to follow while scrutinising the applications.