Chandigarh, April 26 — Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, as envisaged by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, can only be realised through the active participation and empowerment of the labour force. He emphasised that the strength of both the national and state economies is fundamentally anchored in the hard work and dedication of workers, whose contribution continues to propel India towards becoming a developed nation.
The Chief Minister was addressing a State-Level Labour Awareness and Felicitation Programme organised at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Sector-38, Gurugram on Sunday. Haryana’s Industries and Commerce Minister, Rao Narbir Singh was present as the Guest of Honour.
Responding to a demand raised by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh for the formation of a dedicated welfare mechanism for auto drivers and drivers, the Chief Minister announced that the State Government will constitute a State Social Security Board aimed at ensuring the social and economic upliftment of organised workers. He said that this Board will extend the ambit of social security benefits to auto drivers and drivers as well.
Referring to the already announced service security framework, he informed that the process of issuing appointment letters is currently underway and assured that all eligible workers will be provided appointment letters by June 15, thereby strengthening employment security and institutional transparency.
Haryana sets benchmark with 35% increase in minimum wages
Highlighting a landmark reform, the Chief Minister stated that Haryana has become the first state in the country to implement a 35 percent increase in minimum basic wages under the provisions of the Code on Wages. Tracing the trajectory of wage growth, he noted that the minimum wage stood at Rs. 2,903 in 2005 and rose to Rs. 6,289 by 2014.
He further stated that under the present dispensation, minimum wages have now reached Rs. 19,425. While wages nearly doubled during the previous ten-year period, they have increased more than threefold over the past eleven years, reflecting the government’s sustained commitment towards labour welfare and inclusive economic growth.
Rs. 40 crore transferred directly to workers through DBT
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of workers, the Chief Minister stated that an amount of Rs. 40 crore has been directly transferred into the bank accounts of 34,197 beneficiaries under 29 labour welfare schemes through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This initiative, he said, is aimed at strengthening financial security and ensuring timely and transparent delivery of benefits to labour households.
Labour remains the most critical pillar of economic growth
The Chief Minister underscored that the economy of any nation rests on four fundamental pillars—land, labour, capital, and entrepreneurship—and among these, labour constitutes the most vital link, as it drives the entire development process. Describing workers as the backbone of nation-building, he stated that the vision of a developed India cannot be realised without their empowerment, dignity, and active participation.
e-Shram Portal enabling transparency and wider coverage
The Chief Minister stated that the government has leveraged technology to ensure transparent and efficient delivery of welfare benefits to workers. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, the Centre has launched the e-Shram Portal for the registration of workers in the unorganised sector.
He informed that over 54.32 lakh workers in Haryana have been registered on the portal, while in the organised sector, 33.58 lakh workers are registered across 4.5 lakh establishments. He further stated that an incentive amount of Rs.1,100 is being provided to workers upon registration and urged all stakeholders to encourage maximum enrolment through Antyodaya Saral Kendras, Antyodaya Bhawans, and Common Service Centres.
Strengthening health, education and social security framework
The Chief Minister stated that the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme has been implemented across the state since July 1, 2017, and continues to play a pivotal role in providing health security to workers.
He further informed that under new budgetary provisions, a ‘Safe Worker Health System’ is being introduced, which will ensure annual free health check-ups for industrial workers, while registered construction workers will be provided comprehensive healthcare services including OPD, IPD, medicines, and diagnostic facilities free of cost.
In addition, the ESI Hospital at Manesar is being upgraded from 100 to 200 beds and will be developed into a medical college. New ESIC dispensaries will also be established in Harsaru, Kadipur, Wazirabad, Shahabad Markanda, and Fatehabad. To support the educational needs of workers’ families, Atal Residential Schools will be set up for children studying from Classes 6 to 12.
Comprehensive welfare support ensuring social and economic security
Highlighting targeted welfare initiatives, the Chief Minister stated that a dedicated rehabilitation policy for workers affected by silicosis is being effectively implemented, under which financial assistance amounting to Rs. 41.74 crore has already been disbursed to 673 beneficiaries. He further stated that the State Government is extending holistic support to workers and their families through a range of welfare measures, including annual financial assistance ranging from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 20,000 for children’s education, maternity benefits for women workers, and financial assistance for the marriage of daughters. In addition, a provision has been made to provide compensation of up to Rs. 5.15 lakh in cases of death or severe disability, thereby ensuring comprehensive social and economic protection for labour households.
Workers’ contribution central to global and state progress- Rao Narbir Singh
Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh stated that across the world, nations that have achieved significant economic progress have done so on the strength of their workforce. Haryana’s rapid advancement in industry, investment, and employment is similarly rooted in the dedication and hard work of its labour force.
He reiterated that the State Government remains firmly committed to labour welfare through historic wage reforms, transparent DBT-based financial assistance, and continuous efforts to enhance the quality of life of workers. He added that special emphasis is also being placed on securing the future of workers’ families through focused interventions in education and social security.
Representatives of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh also shared their views during the programme and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister.
MLAs, Sh. Mukesh Sharma and Smt. Bimla Chaudhary, Principal Secretary (Labour) Rajiv Ranjan, BMS leaders Pawan Kumar, Ashok Kumar, and Hawa Singh Mehla, along with other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
