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Short note: Measurement book and muster roll

Short answer

The measurement book records dimensions and quantities of work done, with numbered pages and ink entries, and forms the basis for contractor bills. The muster roll records daily-wage workers' attendance, wages, deductions and signatures, proving labour payment and preventing fraud.

Write a short note on measurement book and muster roll.

Measurement book (MB)

A measurement book is a serially numbered, bound book in which the engineer records the dimensions and quantities of work done at site (length, breadth, height, number and total quantity) item by item, with date, location and reference to the contract item.

  • Pages are numbered; no page is removed, entries are in ink, corrections are crossed out and initialled.
  • Measurements are taken jointly with the contractor and signed.
  • Calculations are checked by a senior; abstracts are made for the bill.
  • Uses: basis for running and final bills; record of hidden work; evidence in disputes and audit; check of variations.

Muster roll

A muster roll is a register of daily-wage workers showing name, category, daily attendance, rate of wage, wages earned, deductions, net payment and the signature or thumb impression of the worker.

  • Prepared weekly or fortnightly, signed by the preparing engineer and approved by the authority.
  • Uses: proof of payment to labour; attendance control; labour cost and productivity records; prevention of ghost workers; legal and audit evidence.

Difference in use

MBMuster roll
Records quantity of work doneRecords attendance and wages of labour
Basis for contractor's billBasis for labour payment
Signed by engineer and contractorSigned by workers and engineer

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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