CM launches 500 crèches for workers’ kids

On the eve of Vishwakarma Jayanti and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the launch of 500 ‘Palna’ crèche centres to support the children of women labourers. The initiative, set to be unveiled tomorrow, aims to provide proper nutrition and care for young children while enabling their mothers to continue earning a livelihood without worry.

The announcement was made during a Vishwakarma Puja celebration organised by Delhi Labour Department and the Delhi Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board at the VR Metropolitan construction site in Civil Lines. The event began with traditional rituals and saw the participation of hundreds of workers, officials and representatives. Chief Minister Gupta was the chief guest and Labour Minister Kapil Mishra was the guest of honour. Several workers were felicitated during the programme.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, “Though we celebrate Vishwakarma Day tomorrow, we began the celebrations today with this event. I am extremely delighted to be among my Vishwakarma brothers. Your hard work, honesty and dedication will always take you forward.”

She shared an anecdote to highlight the dignity of labour, noting while engineers may plan and owners may invest, it is the workers who truly build. “Without their dedication, no state can develop,” she said, adding Prime Minister Modi has consistently prioritised the welfare of workers and the underprivileged.

Gupta criticised previous administrations for neglecting the needs of labourers, claiming her government has implemented uniform minimum wages across Delhi and prioritised schemes in education, healthcare and housing. She also highlighted the extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the capital, which now provides worker families with free medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh.

Promising direct accessibility, Gupta assured workers that Delhi belongs to them and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to their welfare. “Providing a roof over every poor family’s head is our top priority. Every child deserves quality education and no poor person should die due to lack of treatment,” she said.

Labour Minister Kapil Mishra said, “You are the backbone of our society and nation. The dream of a ‘Developed India, Developed Delhi’ is possible only through the efforts of hardworking brothers like you. Under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance, Delhi is running several welfare schemes for workers. Women are now allowed to work in night shifts, giving them more opportunities to showcase their skills.”