Patiala, Sept. 20 -- In an unprecedented move, the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Board has begun enrolling workers under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-GRAMG)-formerly MGNREGA-making them eligible for BOCW welfare benefits.

The decision has drawn strong opposition from trade unions, who contend that enrolling VB-GRAMG workers will dilute benefits meant for genuine construction workers and violate the statutory requirement of 90 days of work experience in construction.

Sardara Singh, the president of the Dr. Ambedkar Workers Union, Punjab, called the move a misuse of funds. "This violates the new labour code. Funds collected specifically for the welfare of constructi...