Nirmana Shramikas are construction workers involved in building houses, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
They belong to the unorganized sector and usually work on daily wages.
To safeguard their rights, the government registers them under the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996.
Key Features of Nirmana Shramikas
- Must be engaged in building or construction-related work.
- Should be between 18 and 60 years of age.
- Needs to register with the respective State Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board to access schemes.
- Can avail benefits like education support for children, health assistance, pension, maternity benefits, accident coverage, and housing support.
Key Welfare Schemes for Nirmana Shramikas in Odisha
1. Education Assistance: Scholarships up to ₹40,000 per year for children of registered workers (from Class 6 to professional courses).
2. Maternity Benefit: ₹10,000 per child (max two children).
3. Marriage Assistance: ₹50,000 for marriage of a daughter (or self if the worker is female).
4. Funeral Assistance: ₹5,000 to family/nominee.
5. Death Benefit: Compensation to nominee/legal heir in case of death (higher for accidental/workplace deaths).
All benefits are available only to registered construction workers with a valid Nirman Shramik Card under the Odisha Building & Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board.
Welfare Schemes for Construction Workers in Other States
| Benefit | Odisha | Maharashtra | Kerala | Central/Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | ₹2k–₹40k/yr +20% for girls | Scholarships till PG/professional | General aid | Education aid suggested |
| Merit Award | ₹10k (Class 10, 90%+) | Yes | Limited | Suggested |
| Maternity | ₹10k/child (max 2) | ₹15k–₹20k | Welfare fund | PM Schemes cover |
| Marriage | ₹50k (daughter/self) | Aid for daughter | Available | Suggested |
| Death Benefit | Compensation | High compensation | Yes | PMJJBY/PMSBY |
| Funeral | ₹5k | Yes | Yes | Suggested |
| Housing | – | Workers’ housing scheme | Dorms & rest facilities | Transit housing |
| Health | Basic aid | Critical illness cover | Health & safety | PM-JAY, ESI |
| Other | Nirman Shramik Card | Pension, tool kits | Canteens, restrooms | Skill dev., PM-SYMY |
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card of student and parent (construction worker)
- Recent passport-size photograph of applicant
- Mark sheet/certificate of last qualifying exam
- OB&OCWWB Construction Worker ID Card
- First page of worker’s bank passbook with IFSC
- School/College ID card OR Admission receipt/Library card/Letter from institution
- Resident certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Any other document as required
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Beneficiary | Children/wards of registered construction workers under OB&OCWWB |
| Registration | Parent must have at least 1 year of valid registration and up-to-date contributions |
| Number of Children | Maximum 2 children per family |
| Class Eligibility | From Class 6 onwards |
| Special Rule | Class 6 & 7 → only girl children eligible; Class 8 onwards → both boys and girls |
| Additional Benefit | Girl children from Class 8 onwards get 20% extra |
| Attendance | Minimum 50% annual attendance required |
| Bank Account | Parent must have a DBT-enabled active bank account |
Application Process
Step 1. Visit State Scholarship Portal, Odisha.
Step 2. New users → Click Registration; Existing users → Click Login.
Step 3. Enter Aadhaar number to generate User ID & Password (sent to registered mobile/email).
Step 4. Log in and fill in personal, academic, eligibility, and bank details.
Step 5. Save draft or proceed to the next step.
Step 6. Preview the completed form, download, and take a printout.
Step 7. The application is verified by the District Labour Officer via the e-Shramik Portal.
Step 8. Once approved, financial assistance is disbursed and status auto-updated in the Scholarship Portal.
Central Government Initiatives for Construction Workers
BOCW Act, 1996: Legal framework, welfare boards, funded by cess.
Model Welfare Scheme: Guidance for states on education, health, insurance, maternity, housing, pension.
Social Security Schemes
- PM-SYM (pension),
- PMJJBY (life insurance),
- PMSBY (accident insurance),
- PM-JAY (health cover),
- APY (pension).
Skill Development: Training under PMKVY / Skill India.
COVID-19 Relief: Use of cess funds for direct cash and food aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to register as a Nirmana Shramika in Odisha?
Apply via District Labour Office or e-Shramik Portal with Aadhaar, age, occupation, and bank details.
Is renewal needed?
Yes, registration is valid for 1 year and must be renewed with annual contributions.
Can workers outside Odisha get benefits?
Yes, if they are registered with Odisha’s Welfare Board and pay contributions.
Are welfare benefits taxable?
No, benefits like scholarships or aid are not taxable.
What if the Nirman Shramik Card is lost?
Apply for a duplicate through Labour Office/e-Shramik with ID proof (and FIR if required).
