Mumbai to Host National BOCW Conference

The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra, is set to host the National Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Conference in Mumbai on September 11-12, 2026. Chaired by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, the high-level meet will focus on sharing best practices among states and reviewing progress on key welfare initiatives aimed at the construction workforce.

The conference will see participation from Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment and MSME, alongside state labour ministers, senior bureaucrats, and chairpersons of state BOCW welfare boards. Given that the construction sector remains one of India’s largest employment generators, the event serves as a critical forum to examine the implementation of the new labor codes and enhance the operational efficiency of welfare boards nationwide.

With the rollout of the new labor codes, this national conference serves as a pivotal platform to strengthen welfare boards, optimize cess collection, and drive technology-led service delivery for millions of construction workers across India.

A key focus of the two-day conference will be evaluating the progress of three landmark digital initiatives launched in November 2025: the Digital Labour Chowk, the Labour Chowk-cum-Facilitation Centres, and the Online BOCW Cess Collection Portal. These programs were introduced to modernize worker facilitation, bring transparency to cess collection, and ensure more dignified, direct support systems for the labor force.

In addition to digital updates, delegates will share innovative practices and discuss critical areas such as international labour mobility pathways, skill development, and the robust utilization of welfare funds. The event aims to bridge coordination gaps between central and state agencies, ensuring a more cohesive approach to delivering social security and sustainable livelihood opportunities to construction workers.