Nayaab Sarkar’ Unveils Major Reforms for Workers’ Welfare
CM launches development schemes worth crores; announces expansion of Silicosis Rehabilitation Policy, new labour courts and digital reforms*
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh –
Reaffirming its commitment to protect the dignity, safety and welfare of the labour force, the Nayab Sarkar on Sunday unveiled a series of pivotal decisions aimed at transforming the lives of workers across the state. The Chief Minister,Nayab Singh Saini, addressing a state-level ‘Shramik Samman evam Jagrukta Samaroh’ held at Gurugram University in Gurugram, announced a comprehensive package of welfare schemes, policy reforms and infrastructure projects worth crores of rupees. Besides this, he also transferred over Rs. 26 crore directly into the bank accounts of more than 37,000 beneficiaries registered under the Haryana Labour Welfare Board.
Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Rao Inderjit Singh, Haryana Labour Minister, Anil Vij and Industries & Commerce Minister, Rao Narbir Singh were present on this occasion.
To make labour welfare schemes more accessible, the Chief Minister launched the ‘Shramik Saathi’ mobile application. He said the app will serve as a one-stop digital platform for workers, offering easy registration, application tracking, scheme information and grievance redressal.
Under the Silicosis Rehabilitation Policy, the Chief Minister distributed Rs. 2.55 crore to 51 beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). In addition, he inaugurated a UPI–QR-based digital payment system at Atal Shramik Food Canteens to promote cashless transactions. Funds were also transferred under the Dayalu Yojana to beneficiaries.
Expansion of Silicosis Rehabilitation Policy to cover other Occupational Diseases
Saini announced that the scope of the Silicosis Rehabilitation Policy will be widened to include other occupational diseases such as Asbestosis, Byssinosis and Bagassosis. He outlined the benefits available to silicosis beneficiaries through eight welfare schemes, including, Rs. 5 lakh rehabilitation assistance, Rs. 1 lakh death compensation, Rs. 15,000 funeral assistance, Rs. 4,000 monthly health pension and Rs. 3,500 monthly family pension.
The Chief Minister further said that for the education of workers’ children, annual financial aid will be provided including, Rs. 5,000 for Classes 1–5, Rs. 6,000 for Classes 6–8, Rs. 8,000 for Classes 9–10, Rs. 10,000 for Classes 11–12 and Rs. 12,000 for ITI, graduation and post-graduation courses. Additionally, Rs. 51,000 will be given for the marriage of a daughter and Rs. 11,000 for the marriage of a son of registered workers.
Modern Shramik Suvidha Kendras to Benefit Labourers
During the event, the Chief Minister announced a transformative policy decision to establish five state-of-the-art Shramik Suvidha Kendras in Haryana. These centres will serve as single-window hubs, offering registration, ID cards and welfare scheme services at one location in air-conditioned premises equipped with help desks and waiting areas.
He also announced the launch of a special portal for workers who have lost their jobs, which will provide career counselling, reskilling, upskilling and placement support. In the first phase, 150 worker sheds will be built at key junctions to protect labourers from sun and rain while they wait for work.
Exemption from Registration for Establishments with less than 20 Workers
The Chief Minister announced the launch of an online auto-renewal facility under the Motor Transport Workers Act. He said that to promote Ease of Doing Business and provide relief to small traders and new entrepreneurs, establishments and businesses employing less than 20 workers will be exempted from registration under the Shops and Establishments Act.
Five New Labour Courts to be Established
Saini announced that five new Labour Courts will be set up in Sonipat, Gurugram, Sohna, Palwal and Bawal. An online e-Court system will also be introduced to ensure quick and easy settlement of labour disputes. The Chief Minister further announced that the Factory Act, Contract Labour Act, ISMW, BOCW and Motor Transport Workers Act will be unified into a single registration and integrated licensing system, with all procedures to be completed within 26 days.
Saini reaffirmed Haryana Government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, announcing that women will be allowed to work across all sectors with necessary safety exemptions. Contract women workers will be permitted to work night shifts, and departments will extend full support to ensure equal opportunities and participation for women workers.
Mukhyamantri Shramik Kaushal Vikas Yojana announced
The Chief Minister also announced the Mukhyamantri Shramik Kaushal Vikas Yojana. Under this scheme, registered industrial and construction workers and their dependents will receive completely free skill development training, funded by labour welfare boards under the Labour Department.