CM Rekha Gupta unveils sweeping measures on dignity, safety and opportunity for workers on International Labour’s Day

CM Rekha Gupta Distributes Safety Kits to 1,000 Workers, Education Kits to 100 Children

35,000 Workers to Receive Annual Skill Training, Announces CM Rekha Gupta

Government Fully Committed to Workers’ Rights and Dignity: CM Rekha Gupta

Delhi Witnesses a CM Standing Among Workers After Years: Labour Minister Kapil Mishra

New Delhi, May 2026 : Marking International Labour’s Day, Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Friday attended a Workers’ Felicitation ceremony at Sant Nirankari Mandal in Dhirpur as chief guest, unveiling a series of measures aimed at improving workers’ safety, welfare and long-term opportunities. The event honoured the contribution of workers while also setting out a clear roadmap for making their lives more secure, empowered and self-reliant. In a significant outreach, the Chief Minister interacted directly with women workers, listening to their on-ground experiences and challenges and assuring them of responsive governance.

Delhi Labour Minister Shri Kapil Mishra, senior officials, representatives of training agencies and thousands of construction workers were present at the event. Addressing the gathering, CM Rekha Gupta said every development milestone in Delhi rests on the tireless effort and dedication of its workers. “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,” she said.

Referring to worker welfare initiatives launched under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, she noted that platforms such as the e-Shram portal and other social security schemes have benefited millions of workers across the country. She added that the Delhi government is strengthening this ecosystem through a single-window portal, on-site registration at labour chowks, enhanced minimum wages, Atal canteens providing nutritious meals at ₹5, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and mobile health services.

Announcing key decisions, the Chief Minister said the government is focused on reducing the financial burden on workers and expanding their access to social security. In a major relief, the registration fee of ₹20 and renewal fee of ₹5 for registered building and construction workers in Delhi have been completely waived. She also announced the launch of a ‘Collective Marriage Scheme’, under which eligible couples will receive financial assistance, while the government will bear expenses for tents, food and all essential arrangements for the ceremony.

To further streamline service delivery, the government will establish modern labour chowks and dedicated ‘Shramik Seva Kendras’. These centres will be supported by mobile service vans to ensure doorstep delivery of services. Facilities including drinking water, seating, toilets, first aid, employment linkages, skill development support and grievance redressal will be made available, reducing the need for long queues and ensuring transparency and ease of access. Emphasising implementation, CM Rekha Gupta said the government’s focus is not merely on announcing schemes but on ensuring their effective execution on the ground. “The Delhi government stands firmly with every worker. Ensuring their rights, dignity, safety and access to better opportunities is our core commitment. Respect for workers is respect for the nation,” she said.

On the occasion, Labour Minister Kapil Mishra said the coincidence of Workers’ Day and Buddha Purnima symbolises labour, service and dignity. “After years, Delhi has a Chief Minister who stands shoulder to shoulder with workers. This marks a new sense of trust and a fresh beginning,” he said.

Safety kits for workers; education kits for children

During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed safety kits to 1,000 construction workers. The kits included helmets, safety gloves, masks, reflective jackets and other essential protective equipment, underscoring the government’s focus on worker safety in high-risk construction environments. In addition, education kits were distributed to 100 children of registered construction workers studying in government schools. These kits included school bags, books, stationery and other learning materials to support their education.

Skill training programme under RPL launched

The Chief Minister also launched a comprehensive skill development programme under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme. The initiative aims to train around 35,000 workers annually, with each batch comprising at least 20 participants. In the initial phase, five batches have been rolled out, each comprising 100 workers. The training will be conducted at the district level through empanelled agencies and will cover key trades such as assistant mason, bar bender, electrician, construction painter and decorator, and shuttering carpenter.