Local bodies can now collect building cess, it should be paid to get building number

KANNUR: It has been decided to transfer the responsibility of collecting cess from the building owners to the local bodies to provide pension and other benefits to the construction workers. 1% cess is levied from the building owners with a construction cost of Rs 10 lakh and above.

The Labor Department and the Construction Workers Welfare Board have reached an agreement in this regard. The receipt of cess payment should be submitted to obtain construction completion certificate and building number.

Secretaries of local bodies will be responsible for cess collection. Software is also being prepared. It will be fully operational within two months. A small share of the cess collected will also be given to the local bodies.

The cess was collected through the district labor office according to the report prepared and sent by the village officer, . At present, the cess of the completed buildings will be collected in the old way. The cess is used for the activities of the Construction Workers Welfare Fund Board