BOCW Registration in Bihar: Complete Guide for Construction Workers & Employers (2025)

Introduction

The construction sector is one of the largest sources of employment in Bihar, providing livelihoods to thousands of skilled and unskilled workers. However, due to the unorganized nature of this sector, workers often face job insecurity, lack of safety measures, and inadequate access to welfare benefits.

To protect the rights of these workers, the Government of Bihar, under the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 (BOCW Act), has made it mandatory for construction establishments and workers to obtain BOCW registration.

This registration is not just a compliance requirement but also a gateway for workers to access various welfare schemes such as pensions, medical aid, education support for children, and financial assistance during emergencies.

If you are a construction worker, contractor, or employer in Bihar, this guide explains everything you need to know about BOCW registration in 2025.

What is BOCW Registration in Bihar?

BOCW Registration in Bihar is a state-level compliance under which:

• Workers engaged in construction activities can register with the Bihar Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCWWB) to avail welfare benefits.

• Employers/contractors involved in construction projects must register their establishment to ensure workplace safety, health measures, and timely welfare contributions.

In short, BOCW registration ensures legal protection, social security, and welfare benefits for workers while keeping employers compliant with state labour laws.

Who Needs to Register Under BOCW in Bihar?

1. Construction Workers

Any individual engaged in building, repairing, maintaining, or demolishing construction-related work can register as a construction worker. This includes:

• Masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and painters

• Road and bridge construction workers

• Loaders, helpers, and manual labourers

Eligibility Criteria for Workers:

• Must be between 18–60 years of age

• Should have worked in construction for at least 90 days in the previous year

• Must be a resident of Bihar

2. Employers/Contractors

Any construction establishment in Bihar employing 10 or more workers is required to register under BOCW. This includes:

• Real estate developers

• Infrastructure contractors (roads, bridges, buildings)

• Government and private project contractors

Benefits of BOCW Registration in Bihar

Once registered, construction workers in Bihar can access several welfare schemes under the BOCW Act. Some major benefits include:

• Health & Safety Benefits – Free medical assistance, accident coverage, and maternity benefits for women workers.

• Education Assistance – Scholarships and financial aid for children’s schooling and higher education.

• Pension Scheme – Monthly pension for registered workers after reaching the age of 60.

• Housing Support – Assistance for construction or repair of worker homes.

• Marriage & Death Assistance – Financial aid for workers’ family during marriage or accidental death.

• Skill Development Programs – Training opportunities to upgrade skills and enhance employability.

👉 For employers, BOCW registration ensures compliance, avoids penalties, and creates a safer, more productive workplace.

Documents Required for BOCW Registration in Bihar

For Workers

• Aadhaar Card / Voter ID (Identity proof)

• Proof of age (Birth certificate, school certificate, or Aadhaar with DOB)

• Residence proof (ration card, electricity bill, or Aadhaar)

• Passport-sized photographs

• Proof of employment (certificate from employer or contractor)

For Employers/Establishments

• PAN card of the company/contractor

• Address proof of establishment

• Project details (nature, cost, duration)

• Details of workers employed

• Payment proof of cess (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Process for BOCW Registration in Bihar

Here’s a simplified process for workers and employers:

For Workers

• Collect Documents – Gather identity, residence, age, and work proof.

• Application Submission – Fill out the BOCW worker registration form at the nearest Labour Department office or through the Bihar BOCWWB online portal (if available).

• Verification – Labour officer verifies eligibility and documents.

• Approval & Registration Card – Once approved, a BOCW identity card is issued.

For Employers/Establishments

• Application Form – Obtain and fill the employer registration form.

• Attach Required Documents – PAN, address, project details, and list of workers.

• Pay Applicable Fees – Fees/cess as per project size and labour laws.

• Submit Application – Online or offline submission to the Bihar Labour Department.

• Inspection & Approval – Labour inspector verifies compliance.

• Issuance of BOCW Certificate – Certificate of registration is issued, ensuring compliance.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Bihar

Failure to obtain BOCW registration in Bihar may lead to:

• Monetary penalties imposed by the Labour Department.

• Legal action against contractors/employers.

• Project delays due to compliance issues.

Hence, it’s always advisable to get registered on time to avoid legal hurdles.

Renewal of BOCW Registration in Bihar

• Workers – Registration is valid for a fixed period (usually 1 year) and must be renewed annually.

• Employers – Establishment registration must be renewed before expiry to continue compliance.

Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted access to welfare benefits and avoids penalties.

How PSR Compliance Can Help

Navigating BOCW registration in Bihar can be confusing, especially for contractors handling multiple projects. At PSR Compliance, we help:

• Prepare and file worker/employer applications

• Collect and verify required documents

• Manage cess payments & compliance reports

• Ensure quick approval from the Labour Department

👉 Our experts make the process fast, hassle-free, and fully compliant so you can focus on running your projects.

FAQs on BOCW Registration in Bihar

Q1. Is BOCW registration mandatory in Bihar?

Ans- Yes, all construction workers and establishments with 10+ workers must register under the BOCW Act in Bihar.

Q2. Can migrant workers in Bihar also apply for BOCW benefits?

Ans- Yes, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and provide residence proof.

Q3. How long does it take to get BOCW registration in Bihar?

Ans- The timeline varies but usually takes 2–4 weeks depending on document verification and application completeness.

Q4. What is the validity of BOCW registration?

Ans- Worker registration is usually valid for 1 year (renewable), while employer registration is valid until the project completion or as per Labour Department guidelines.

Q5. What happens if an employer does not register?

Ans- Penalties and legal action can be taken, including stoppage of construction work.

Conclusion

BOCW registration in Bihar is not just a legal requirement but also a powerful tool to uplift the lives of construction workers by giving them access to welfare and social security. For employers, it ensures smooth compliance and avoids costly penalties.

If you are a construction worker or contractor in Bihar, ensure timely registration to secure your future.

👉 Need assistance with BOCW registration in Bihar? Contact PSR Compliance today for expert guidance and end-to-end support.