Chandigarh, April 4 -- Haryana labour minister Anil Vij on Friday said that only about 2.70 lakh work slips were found valid out of about 21.78 lakh slips examined during investigations into alleged fake registration of construction workers seeking benefits of government schemes. He said the work slips of labourers who have availed benefits under the schemes since 2008 may also be investigated. "About 19.07 lakh work slips were identified as fraudulent. Investigation by committees constituted in 22 districts under the chairmanship of deputy commissioners to probe irregularities related to work slips (90-day work receipts) under the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board revealed that nearly 90% of the work slips were fake," the minister said. An investigation into the alleged scam amounting to Rs.1,500 crore, was ordered in December 2025 after anomalies came to light. The minister said a web portal will be started to help workers whose work slips were found valid in the investigations, and their IDs will also be reactivated. Vij said it is now clear that fraudulent registrations took place in many villages and cities, and work slips were generated so that ineligible persons could avail government scheme benefits. "On average, a worker receives benefits worth around Rs.2.5 lakh under various schemes, which could result in a massive financial loss to the government. Those who are not eligible are availing benefits. This is outright loot, causing the government a financial loss running into hundreds of crores," the minister said. Vij said these committees carried out physical verification of online work slips, confirming that approximately 90% were fake, with only a small proportion found to be genuine. The minister said that workers whose work slips were found invalid will also be given an opportunity for a hearing. Such workers will be required to submit representations before the designated committee or authority, he said....