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Karnataka to Tackle Bogus Karmika Cards Amidst Claims of Widespread Ineligibility

Karnataka

In a significant move aimed at addressing fraudulent registrations, the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board is set to launch a comprehensive statewide drive to verify the authenticity of Karmika cards. This initiative comes in the wake of the government identifying approximately 1.5 lakh bogus cards among the registered construction workers in the state.

Understanding Karmika Cards

Karmika cards serve as essential identification for construction workers, granting them access to various welfare benefits, including pensions, housing subsidies, accident relief, and assistance for children’s education. To qualify for a Karmika card, an individual must have worked as a construction labourer for a minimum of 90 days within a year. This stipulation is crucial for ensuring that benefits are distributed to those who genuinely require them.

Verification Process

According to a board official, a tender has been issued to recruit agencies tasked with verifying the legitimacy of Karmika cards across all districts. Principal Secretary (Labour) Mohammed Mohsin explained that as part of the renewal process for these cards, officials will check the validity of cardholders by cross-referencing their Aadhaar numbers and confirming whether they have completed the mandatory 90 days of work in the previous 12 months.

The proposal for this verification arises amid increasing suspicions about the prevalence of fake labour cards. Recent reports indicate that from 2020 to 2023, around 90,091 Karmika cards were issued to ineligible individuals, highlighting a systemic issue that needs urgent attention.

Concerns from Officials

Earlier in the year, Labour Minister Santhosh Lad informed the Legislative Assembly that estimates suggest 60-70% of the Karmika cards in circulation could be fraudulent. He stated that the board needed time to “cleanse” the system, indicating a commitment to restoring integrity to the welfare programme.

Currently, there are 38.44 lakh registered workers under the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, which includes 27.7 lakh active workers and 10.73 lakh workers in a one-year buffer period. If members fail to renew their cards after two years, they are classified as inactive. The board has recorded 13,47,891 inactive workers, indicating a substantial number of individuals who may no longer meet eligibility criteria.

Cess and Welfare Fund

Funding for welfare initiatives comes from a cess of 1% levied on both private and government construction projects. Since the board’s inception in 2007, a total of ₹11,770 crore has been collected through this cess. Of this amount, ₹5,272 crore has been allocated to various welfare schemes designed to assist registered construction workers.

Discrepancies in Estimates

Despite the official estimates, P. P. Appanna, State President of the Karnataka Pragathipara Kattada Karmikara Sangha, contests the numbers of bogus cards, asserting that the actual figure could be as high as 25 lakh. He raised concerns about the registration process, noting that many individuals, such as maidservants, autorickshaw drivers, barbers, and washermen, have been compelled to register under the construction workers’ board, given the lack of a cess fund for unorganised workers.

Appanna’s remarks underscore the need for a more tailored approach to welfare that encompasses all unorganised sector workers, suggesting that a specific cess for their welfare could be a viable solution.

Workforce Statistics

To summarise the current statistics regarding registered construction workers in Karnataka:

  • Total Registered Construction Workers: 51,92,042
  • Active Construction Workers: 27,70,950
  • Workers on One-Year Buffer: 10,73,202
  • Inactive Construction Workers: 13,47,891

 Conclusion

The impending drive to verify Karmika cards marks a crucial step in ensuring that welfare benefits reach only those who genuinely qualify. By targeting fraudulent registrations, the Karnataka government aims to strengthen the integrity of its welfare programmes, ultimately benefiting the state’s construction workforce.

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