New Delhi, 01 May (H.S.): On the occasion of International Labour Day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta attended the Labour Honour Ceremony held at Sant Nirankari Mandal in Dhirpur on Friday as the chief guest. She inaugurated a comprehensive skill development programme under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.
The Chief Minister said that under this initiative, around 35,000 workers will be trained every year, with at least 20 workers in each batch. In the initial phase, five batches are being run, with 100 workers in each batch. The training will be conducted at the district level through various agencies. Under the scheme, training will be provided in key areas such as assistant mason, bar bender, electrician, construction painter and decorator, and shuttering carpenter.
During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed safety kits to 1,000 construction workers. These kits include helmets, safety gloves, masks, reflective jackets and other essential protective gear. She also gave education kits to 100 children of construction workers. The kits include school bags, books, stationery, educational material and other necessary learning tools. All these children are dependents of registered construction workers and study in various government schools.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister interacted directly with women workers and learned about their ground-level experiences and challenges. Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra, senior officials, representatives of training agencies and thousands of construction workers were present at the event.
The Chief Minister said that every development work in Delhi is the result of the tireless hard work and dedication of workers. Workers do not merely provide labour; they lay the foundation of progress for the nation and society. She said the government’s responsibility is not only to use their labour, but also to improve their standard of living, ensure their safety and create opportunities for their families.
Referring to various welfare schemes launched for workers under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said the e-Shram portal and other social security schemes have benefited millions of workers. She added that the Delhi government is also working in the same direction by providing facilities such as a single-window portal, registration at labour chowks, higher minimum wages, Atal Canteens offering nutritious meals for Rs 5, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and mobile health services.
The Chief Minister also made several important announcements for workers. She said the government’s goal is to reduce the financial burden on workers and connect them with as many social security schemes as possible. Under this, the registration fee of Rs 20 and renewal fee of Rs 5 for registered building and construction workers in Delhi has been completely waived.
She also announced the launch of a ‘collective marriage scheme’. Under this scheme, each eligible couple will receive financial assistance. The government will bear the cost of tents, food and all other necessary arrangements for the wedding ceremony.
She said modern labour chowks and ‘Shramik Seva Kendras’ will be set up to provide better facilities to workers. Through these centres, mobile vans will deliver services directly to workers. These centres will offer drinking water, seating arrangements, toilets, first aid, employment opportunities, skill development and grievance redressal facilities. This will save workers from standing in long queues and make services more transparent and accessible.
Labour Minister Kapil Mishra said the occasion of Labour Day and Buddha Purnima symbolises labour, service and respect. He said this day is observed across the world to honour the contribution of workers. Delhi, after many years, has a Chief Minister who goes directly among workers and stands with them. He said this signals a new sense of trust and a new beginning for workers.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
