Punjab records highest labour cess collection in four years

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The North News

Chandigarh, August 27

Punjab has recorded its highest labour cess collection in four years, with receipts touching ₹310 crore in the 2024–25 financial year. The figure marks a sharp rise 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 the achievement reflects the state government’s efforts to improve compliance, strengthen monitoring and enhance transparency in the collection process. Sond added that the funds will be used for the welfare of construction workers, including access to healthcare, education, skill development and social security schemes.

He also said that the sharp increase was not only a financial milestone but also evidence of “improved governance and proactive policy implementation” in the labour sector. The Labour Cess is collected primarily from construction activities and projects to support workers’ safety, health and welfare.

The minister further said the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board has simplified terms and conditions for schemes such as the stipend scheme, LTC scheme and Shagun scheme. He added that all services and schemes provided by the Labour Department under various Acts had been digitised.