Chandigarh: Punjab has registered a record labour cess collection of ₹310 crore in the financial year 2024–25, the highest in the past four years.
This marks a significant increase from ₹203.94 crore in 2021–22, ₹208.92 crore in 2022–23, and ₹180 crore in 2023–24.
Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said this achievement reflects the concerted efforts of the Punjab Government to enhance compliance, improve transparency, and strengthen monitoring mechanisms related to labour welfare.
He added that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Labour Department has streamlined cess collection processes and leveraged digital platforms to ensure accountability and efficiency.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to utilizing the collected funds for the welfare of construction workers, including better access to healthcare, education, skill development, and social security schemes.
He emphasized that the robust increase is not only a financial milestone but also an indicator of improved governance and proactive policy implementation in the labour sector.
It is pertinent to mention that the labour cess is primarily collected from construction-related activities and projects within the state to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of workers.
Sond further informed that the Punjab Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board and the Punjab Building Workers Welfare Board have simplified the terms and conditions of various welfare schemes, including the Stipend Scheme, LTC Scheme, and Shagun Scheme.