New Delhi, June 8 -- The Punjab government has announced a large-scale labour welfare initiative aimed at bringing 10 lakh construction workers under the ambit of social security and welfare schemes through a free registration and revalidation campaign.

The decision was announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during a review meeting of the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board (BOCW), where he emphasised the need to improve access to welfare benefits and skill development opportunities for workers.

Under the campaign, the state government will bear the registration costs of workers, eliminating the Rs.145 fee that officials say has often discouraged enrolment. The initiative is expected to involve an expe...