Govt announces sweeping worker welfare measures on Labour Day
Fee waivers, skill training, welfare schemes unveiled at outreach event
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday unveiled a series of measures aimed at improving the safety, dignity and livelihoods of workers, marking International Labour Day with a large-scale outreach programme in the capital.
Addressing a workers’ felicitation ceremony at Sant Nirankari Mandal in Dhirpur, the Chief Minister announced the waiver of registration and renewal fees for building and construction workers, along with plans to provide annual skill training to nearly 35,000 workers under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.
“Workers do not merely labour; they lay the foundation of the nation’s progress. The government’s responsibility is not limited to utilising their workforce, but extends to improving their quality of life, ensuring their safety and creating opportunities for their families,” Gupta said.
The government also announced the launch of a ‘Collective Marriage Scheme’ to provide financial and logistical support to eligible couples, as well as plans to establish modern labour chowks and dedicated Shramik Seva Kendras to streamline access to welfare services. These centres will offer facilities such as drinking water, seating, toilets, first aid, employment linkages and grievance redressal, supported by mobile service vans for doorstep delivery.
Highlighting welfare initiatives, Gupta said the administration is strengthening social security systems through measures such as a single-window portal, on-site registration at labour chowks, enhanced minimum wages and subsidised meals through Atal canteens.
On the occasion, safety kits were distributed to 1,000 construction workers, while education kits were given to 100 children of registered workers to support their schooling.
Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra said the event marked a renewed focus on labour welfare in the city. “After years, Delhi has a Chief Minister who stands shoulder to shoulder with workers. This is a new beginning built on trust,” he said.
Officials said the skill development programme will be implemented in phases across districts through empanelled agencies, covering trades such as masonry, electrical work, bar bending and carpentry.
