09/06/2026
AAPWWS Demands Halt to 'Non-Statutory' Schemes by Building & Construction Board; Threatens Legal Action, PIL within 40 Days
MPL News Live
ITANAGAR | June 9, 2026
The All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Welfare Society (AAPWWS) has formally submitted a representation to the Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, demanding the immediate discontinuation and prohibition of "non-statutory schemes" implemented by the Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB).
Citing data obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application, the Society has alleged severe financial irregularities, disproportionate spending, and a diversion of labour welfare cess funds away from long-term social security benefits. The AAPWWS has issued a strict 40-day ultimatum to the state government, warning of a formal complaint to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the filing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the High Court or Supreme Court if corrective actions are not initiated by July 18, 2026.
Allegations of Fund Diversion and 'Fabricated' Vouchers
According to records furnished by the Board on March 16, 2026, in response to an RTI application dated November 18, 2025, several crores of rupees collected under the 1% Labour Welfare Cess are allegedly being spent on distributing household and personal items. These include blankets, mosquito nets, umbrellas, toilet sets, dinner sets, alongside funding "Mega medical camps" and "Mega awareness campaigns."
The representation highlights specific expenditures incurred under non-statutory activities:
Awareness Campaigns (FY 2024-25): ₹6,06,97,001/-
Awareness Campaigns (FY 2025-26): ₹2,19,27,250/-
Medical Health Camps (FY 2024-25): ₹6,92,94,600/-
The AAPWWS strongly stated that upon careful examination of the supporting documents, serious concerns have arisen regarding the authenticity of expenditure claims.
"There are allegations that a number of cash memos and vouchers submitted in support of such expenditures appear doubtful, fabricated, or otherwise unverifiable," the Society stated in its letter.
Furthermore, the Society alleged that certain awareness programmes and camps were reportedly organized through or in association with union leaders or other unauthorized persons, raising questions regarding transparency and compliance.
Demand for Statutory Rights and Digital Governance
The AAPWWS argued that such distributive schemes do not form part of the statutory welfare framework envisaged under the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996. The Society maintained that the cess fund should instead be strictly utilized for direct, long-term welfare benefits contemplated under the Act, including:
Maternity Benefits and Family Pensions
Housing Assistance and Disability Pensions
Financial Assistance for Education, Marriage, and Purchase of Tools
Accident and death compensation, skill development, and vocational training
While clarifying that they are not entirely opposed to health camps, the AAPWWS insisted they must be localized and organized specifically for registered beneficiaries at construction sites and worker-concentrated areas, rather than spending crores on "Mega camps" requiring detailed scrutiny.
To check repetitive and excessive spending, the Society urged the Board to replace physical campaigns with modern, cost-effective digital governance. They have requested the introduction of a comprehensive mobile application and digital system for worker registration, renewals, benefit tracking, and grievance redressal to enhance transparency and accessibility.
Stricter Supervision and Audit Requested
The representation—signed by Shri Karbia Sonam Tara (Secretary General), Shri Kamku Sono Diyw (Vice-President, W/Z), and Shri Khya Racho Pao (Secretary, Media Cell)—has called upon the Chief Secretary's office to:
Order a detailed inquiry and conduct a special financial and performance audit of cess fund utilization for the previous financial years.
Place the functioning and administration of the Welfare Board under stricter supervision and monitoring by the Labour and Employment Department.
Direct the Board to immediately halt the procurement and distribution of non-statutory items.
Copies of the representation have been forwarded to high-level offices for information and necessary action, including the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister, the Minister for Labour & Employment, the Registrar of the Supreme Court of India, and the Labour Commissioner.
The AAPWWS concluded that this representation serves as a final request for immediate corrective action to safeguard the rights and funds intended exclusively for the welfare of registered construction workers across the state.
