On International Labour Day, May 1: “Work for Every Hand, Respect for Every Worker” – Commitment of the Vishnu Deo Government

Special on International Labour Day, May 1

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chhattisgarh government is running several welfare schemes for the betterment of workers and their families. Through these schemes, continuous financial assistance is being provided to improve the social and economic conditions of workers.

The three boards under the Labour Department—the Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, the Chhattisgarh Unorganised Workers State Social Security Board, and the Chhattisgarh Labour Welfare Board—are effectively implementing these schemes. As a result, in the past 2 years and 4 months, around ₹800 crore has been transferred directly into workers’ bank accounts through DBT under various schemes.

This year, under the Atal Utkrisht Shiksha Yojana, 200 children of workers will be admitted to leading private schools of the state.

Significance of Labour Day

Labour Day is celebrated across the world. The main objective of celebrating International Workers’ Day on May 1 is to reaffirm commitment to workers’ rights, social justice, and better working conditions. The day also honours the contribution and struggles of workers.

It commemorates the violent events of the 1886 Haymarket Square protest in Chicago, where workers demanded an 8-hour workday. In 1889, the Second International declared May 1 as International Workers’ Day.

In India, Labour Day was first observed in 1923 in Chennai (Madras). Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who played a key role in the Constituent Assembly, reduced working hours from 12 to 8 hours and also introduced maternity leave benefits for women.

Government’s Vision for Workers’ Welfare

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai believes that the Labour Department is a crucial department capable of bringing significant positive change in workers’ lives. He has directed officials to ensure effective implementation of schemes and also conduct surprise inspections of industrial units using technology to protect workers’ rights.

These efforts are giving a new direction to the social and economic empowerment of workers in Chhattisgarh.

Welfare Schemes for Workers

Labour Minister Shri Lakhanalal Dewangan stated that under the good governance of the Vishnu Deo government, “a worker’s child will no longer remain a worker by compulsion.” Several welfare schemes are being implemented for workers, including:

• Chief Minister Nanhehaal Scholarship Scheme
• Minimata Mahatari Jatan Yojana
• Chief Minister Worker Tool Kit Scheme
• Noni Babu Meritorious Education Promotion Scheme
• Free uniform and stationery assistance for workers’ children
• Sports promotion scheme for workers’ children
• Chief Minister Construction Worker Housing Assistance Scheme
• Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Labour Food Scheme

Inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “work for every hand,” the Commerce, Industry and Labour Department is making continuous efforts in this direction.

For the financial year 2026–27, a budget allocation of ₹256 crore has been made for the Labour Department.

The minister added that the government’s policy is to ensure “work for every hand, fair wages for every worker, and food for every stomach,” and the state is committed to implementing this vision.

Under the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Labour Food Scheme, 38 food centres are operating across the state, where workers are provided hot meals (rice, dal, vegetables, and pickle) for just ₹5. The scheme will be expanded to all districts in 2026–27.

Housing assistance for workers has been increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh per unit, and assistance for e-rickshaws has also been raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh.

Worker Registration and Welfare Progress

Under the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, more than 33.14 lakh workers have been registered since September 5, 2008. The board is running 26 schemes and has notified 60 categories of workers.

A 1% cess has generated ₹315 crore in 2025–26, while a total of ₹2,808 crore has been collected since the board’s formation. By March 2026, ₹2,558 crore has already been spent on various welfare schemes.

Health and Social Security

For industrial health and safety, a budget of ₹10 crore has been allocated this year. Under the Employees’ State Insurance Services, workers and their families are provided medical benefits. The state government has allocated ₹76.38 crore for these services.