Explainer: How Haryana Government’s proposed social security board will help workers

In a major labour welfare push, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has announced the creation of a State Social Security Board for organised workers, alongside highlighting sweeping reforms in wages, health and financial support.What is the proposed State Social Security Board and why is it significant?The proposed State Social Security Board aims to institutionalise welfare measures for organised sector workers, ensuring structured access to benefits and long-term security. Announced at a state-level labour programme in Gurugram, the move comes in response to demands from worker groups seeking a dedicated mechanism to safeguard labour rights.The board is expected to function as a centralised body to streamline welfare schemes, improve outreach and enhance accountability in benefit delivery. It signals a shift from fragmented schemes to a more integrated social protection system for workers in Haryana.Who will benefit from the board?While the board primarily targets organised sector workers, the Chief Minister has confirmed that it will also cover autorickshaw drivers and other vehicle operators — categories often left out of formal welfare frameworks. The inclusion is aimed at bridging the gap between organised and semi-organised labour segments.By expanding the coverage, the government intends to ensure that vulnerable worker groups gain access to social security benefits such as insurance, financial aid, and healthcare, thereby strengthening economic resilience at the grassroots level.What are the other key labour reforms announced?A major highlight is Haryana becoming the first state to implement a 35% increase in minimum basic wages under the Code on Wages. The minimum wages have risen sharply from Rs 6,289 in 2014 to Rs 19,425 at present — more than a threefold increase over the past decade.Additionally, the government has initiated the process of issuing appointment letters under a service security framework, with June 15 as deadline. The step is aimed at enhancing job security and formalising employment structures across sectors.How is the government ensuring financial & social security for workers?The state has transferred Rs 40 crore directly into the accounts of 34,197 workers under 29 welfare schemes through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparent and timely support.Further, over 54 lakh workers have been registered on the e-Shram portal in Haryana, improving database-driven welfare delivery. New initiatives include annual free health check-ups for industrial workers, expansion of ESI health infrastructure and financial assistance for education, maternity and social needs. Together, these measures reinforce the government’s push toward labour-centric growth, with CM Saini emphasising that workers remain the “strongest pillar” in achieving India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision by 2047.

Explainer: How Haryana Government’s proposed social security board will help workers

Sumedha Sharma

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