- Safe labour, social security, quality education, better health, dignified employment and massive expansion of digital services
- Chhagal Lal Lonhare
- Joint Director, Public Relations
The contribution of workers to nation-building is paramount. A developed state is impossible without respect, security, and overall development of workers. Based on this vision, the Chhattisgarh government’s Labor Department is continuously working towards improving the living standards of workers. Under the direction of Labor Minister Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan, several important initiatives have been taken to protect workers’ interests, expand social security, provide basic amenities like education and health, and simplify services through modern technology. The Labor Department’s achievements in the last two and a half years of the state government are a testament to the state government’s worker-friendly approach and sensitive administration.
- Expansion of administrative infrastructure, better access to services
To effectively enforce labor laws and provide prompt and quality services to workers, the state government has established labor officer offices in five new districts. Minister Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan stated that five labor officer offices have been upgraded to assistant labor commissioner offices. Now, a total of 33 labor offices operate in the state, including 10 assistant labor commissioner offices and 23 labor officer offices. This has given new impetus to the prompt resolution of workers’ problems and the effective implementation of schemes.
- Reforms in labour laws in keeping with the times
Keeping in mind the balance between industrial development and workers’ interests, the state government has made significant amendments to labor laws. Amendments to the Chhattisgarh Factories Rules, 1962, have expanded employment opportunities for women, while ensuring safety provisions. Amendments to the Chhattisgarh Shops and Establishments Rules, 2021, now allow for the issuance of labor identification registration certificates within 24 hours. This will provide simple and transparent services to industries and business establishments, and will also promote ease of doing business.
- More than 56 lakh workers are covered under social security.
Till now, about 56.83 lakh organised, construction and unorganised workers have been registered through Chhattisgarh Labour Welfare Board, Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board and Unorganised Workers State Social Security Board operated under the Labour Department.
- 3.48 lakh workers benefit from facilities like insurance, medical, health, education and skill upgradation.
Through various welfare schemes, approximately 3.48 lakh workers have been provided benefits like insurance, medical, health, education and skill upgradation till June 30, 2026. Approximately Rs 173.32 crore has been spent on these schemes, which reflects the government’s commitment towards worker welfare.
- Increased financial assistance to construction workers
Under the Chief Minister’s Construction Workers Housing Assistance Scheme, the amount of assistance provided for housing construction or home purchase has been increased from one lakh rupees to one and a half lakh rupees. This decision is an important step towards realizing the dream of construction workers to own a home.
- New opportunities for self-employment and economic independence for women workers
Similarly, under the Didi E-Rickshaw Assistance Scheme, the assistance amount for purchasing e-rickshaws for registered women construction workers and their groups has been increased from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.5 lakh. This is providing women workers with new opportunities for self-employment and economic independence.
- New initiatives in the field of education and health
The state government has launched the Atal Career Construction Scheme to enhance the future of working families. Through this scheme, children of registered construction workers will be provided free quality coaching to prepare for competitive exams like engineering and medical.
- Regular health check-up of registered construction workers
Meanwhile, through the Chief Minister’s Construction Workers Health Examination Scheme, registered construction workers will receive regular health checkups. This initiative will promote early detection of diseases, timely treatment, and increased awareness of a healthy lifestyle.
- A bright future through excellent education
The Atal Utkrisht Shiksha Yojana is being implemented to provide quality education to children from labour families. Under this scheme, the first two children of eligible construction workers are provided free education in excellent private residential schools from grades 6th to 12th. As announced by the Chief Minister, the number of children benefiting under this scheme has been increased from 100 to 200 from 2026-27. This initiative will help children from labour families reach new heights in their future.
- Nutritious food for five rupees
Through the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Shramik Anna Yojana, hot and nutritious meals are being provided to registered construction, organized, and unorganized workers for just ₹ 5. Currently, 39 food centers are operating in 18 districts of the state, providing relief to thousands of workers.
- Increased transparency through digital services
The “e-Shram Saathi mobile app,” developed by the Labor Department, has emerged as an important digital platform for workers and employers. Self-registration, direct communication between workers and employers, and employment-related information are readily available through this app. This is increasing transparency and employment opportunities.
- Model Labour Chowk will provide a respectable environment
The state government is establishing model Labor Chowk Facilitation Centers. These centers will ensure worker registration, application for various schemes, and provision of food, drinking water, rest, and other essential amenities. This will provide workers with a respectful and safe working environment.
- Social Security gets a new extension
Under the Chief Minister’s Construction Workers Death and Disability Assistance Scheme, dependents are provided assistance of Rs 1 lakh in case of natural death, Rs 5 lakh in case of death due to a workplace accident, and Rs 2.50 lakh in case of permanent disability. Additionally, assistance of Rs 1 lakh is also provided to the dependents of unregistered construction workers who die in workplace accidents.
- 1 lakh rupees assistance to the dependents of registered workers on their death
Similarly, on the death of workers registered under the Unorganised Workers State Social Security Board, an assistance amount of Rs 1 lakh is provided to the dependents and in case of disability, an assistance amount of Rs 50 thousand is provided.
- Striving towards a safe workplace
In various factories across the state, workers are regularly trained by senior officials and safety officers, tailored to their jobs. This ensures adherence to safety standards at workplaces, reduces accidents, and increases productivity.
- New identity of labour welfare
The extensive reforms being undertaken by the Labor Department in Chhattisgarh demonstrate that the state government views workers not merely as beneficiaries of schemes, but as vital partners in the development journey. Initiatives such as the expansion of administrative structures, the modernization of labor laws, the development of digital services, education, health, housing, social security, and dignified employment are bringing positive changes to the lives of workers. Through these efforts to ensure worker welfare and empowerment, Chhattisgarh is steadily progressing towards inclusive and sensitive development.