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As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi crossed 400, the fourth phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) has been implemented for the second time in a month. The ban entails a suspension of all construction activities in Delhi-NCR, bringing fresh hardships for construction workers.
However, the Supreme Court had clearly stated in its order dated November 25, 2024 that ‘economic assistance should be immediately provided to the affected construction workers upon the imposition of GRAP-4 restrictions’.
Following this, the Delhi government decided to provide a one-time financial aid of Rs 8,000 to construction workers.
Yet, millions of workers have not received this assistance so far. The Delhi government claims that it has provided Rs 8,000 to 90,000 workers that are registered with the Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
However, questions are being raised regarding the registration of workers.
Sunil Kumar Aledia, associated with an organisation working for unorganised and homeless workers in Delhi, told Down To Earth (DTE) that according to the latest data on the Welfare Board’s dashboard, the total number of registered construction workers is 1,378,199, of which 89,518 are active members and 10,512 are active beneficiaries.
Additionally, 1,288,681 memberships have expired and 716,174 renewal applications have been received, out of which only 507,863 have been approved so far.
According to him, these figures highlight how many workers are being deprived of their rightful benefits due to the restrictions on construction work.
Aledia referred to a rapid survey in his sworn affidavit filed on December 16, 2024 in the Delhi High Court, raising concerns about the registration process of the Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
Aledia conducted this survey at various sites in the capital, including the Central Vista Project, the Delhi High Court complex, the DUSIB Shelter Home and the under-construction WHO-ITO building. The purpose of the survey was to assess the implementation of the Supreme Court's order of November 25, 2024.
In the rapid survey, 75 workers from these different sites were interviewed. Out of them, only five workers were registered with the Construction Welfare Board. Four of them had completed their re-registration, while one worker, despite repeated attempts, could not register. Notably, none of these five workers had received the Rs 8,000 financial aid.
Aledia informed DTE that all these sites are located in central Delhi. Despite this, the workers employed here are unable to get registered. Interestingly, the construction companies for which these workers are working are all registered. This raises the question of how construction workers will benefit from government schemes.
Aledia mentioned that after the affidavit, the court has asked the Chief Secretary of the Delhi government to respond.
It is noteworthy that the GRAP-4 restrictions also apply to the NCR which includes some cities in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. The Supreme Court’s order is also applicable in these cities.
During the previous hearing, it was reported that in Uttar Pradesh, Rs 75 crore in assistance had been distributed to 150,000 workers, while in Rajasthan, Rs 25 crore was provided to 50,000 workers, and in Haryana, Rs 10 crore was given to 30,000 workers.