No More Child Labourers:
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh is witnessing a transformative era in labour welfare. With a powerful motto—“The child of a labourer will not remain a labourer”—the state has launched a broad range of strategic schemes that aim to uplift workers and empower their families through education, healthcare, and social security.
₹500 Crore in Direct Aid: Government Delivering on Promises
In just over a year, the Labour Department has deposited nearly ₹500 crore directly into the accounts of registered workers under various schemes. This has been made possible through the integrated functioning of three key labour boards:
- Chhattisgarh Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Board
- Chhattisgarh Labour Welfare Board
These efforts have significantly improved the quality of life for thousands of families across the state.
Changing Lives Through Education and Support
Labour Minister Lakhna Lal Dewangan emphasized, “Under the guidance of CM Vishnu Deo Sai, we are committed to creating a future where children of workers have access to education and opportunities—not forced into hardship.”
The department is running numerous welfare schemes, including:
- Chief Minister Naunihal Scholarship Scheme
- Minimata Maternal Care Scheme
- Tool Kit Scheme for Labourers
- Merit Scholarship for Children of Workers
- Free Uniform and Stationery Assistance
- Sports Scholarship for Labourers’ Children
- Housing Grant Scheme for Construction Workers
- Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Labour Food Program
Building a Just Labour Economy
With a budget of ₹255.31 crore allocated to the Labour Department for FY 2025–26, the government is clearly prioritising employment, dignity, and food security. Echoing PM Narendra Modi’s call for “Jobs for Every Hand,” the state is taking bold steps to ensure no worker is left behind.
The Labour Food Scheme, now active in 13 districts through 31 food centers, is set to expand statewide this year, ensuring no labourer sleeps hungry.
May Day: A Day of Legacy and Vision
Observed globally on May 1, International Workers’ Day honours the hard-fought rights of labourers, stemming from the 1886 Haymarket protest in Chicago. The call for an 8-hour workday eventually reshaped labour laws worldwide.
India began observing Labour Day in 1923, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in reducing the workday to 8 hours and securing maternity leave for women—trailblazing changes that shaped the country’s labour code.
Special Budget for Unorganised Sector
To support the unorganised workforce, ₹125.10 crore has been allocated to the Atal Shram Empowerment Scheme for FY 2025–26. An additional ₹6 crore will aid 2.26 lakh organised workers through direct state grants.
The department has launched mobile registration camps at the block level to simplify enrolment and outreach. So far, over 4,700 mobile camps have been conducted to register construction and informal sector workers.
Health and Safety: Top Government Priority
To safeguard workplace health and safety, ₹6.24 crore has been earmarked for industrial health measures this year. Moreover, ₹64.18 crore has been allotted to expand Employee State Insurance Services (ESIS), ensuring that workers and their families receive comprehensive medical care.
Chhattisgarh’s Labour Revolution Is Underway
From breaking the shackles of generational poverty to creating a future built on education, nutrition, and dignity, Chhattisgarh is rewriting the story of its workforce. These pioneering initiatives mark a new era—where the hands that build the state are finally being given the care, respect, and resources they deserve.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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