Chandigarh, September 28: In a historic initiative to safeguard the dignity, safety, and welfare of workers, the Haryana government on Sunday announced major welfare measures. Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini inaugurated the Workers’ Honor and Awareness Program at Gurugram University Auditorium, unveiling development schemes worth crores and introducing new policies aimed at improving workers’ livelihoods.
During the event, over 37,000 beneficiaries received more than ₹26 crore directly into their bank accounts. The Chief Minister also launched the “Sharmik Saathi” mobile app, a one-stop digital platform enabling workers to register, track applications, access schemes, and lodge grievances.
Under the Silicosis Rehabilitation Policy, ₹2.55 crore was distributed to 51 beneficiaries. The policy’s coverage has been expanded to include other occupational diseases such as Asbestosis, Byssinosis, and Bagiosis. Beneficiaries will now receive support through eight welfare measures, including rehabilitation assistance, death benefits, illness pensions, family pensions, and educational support for children.
Five state-of-the-art workers’ facility centers will be established, functioning as single-window hubs providing registration, ID card issuance, and access to welfare schemes under one roof. Additionally, 150 workers’ sheds will be constructed across key locations in the first phase. Small establishments employing fewer than 20 workers will be exempted from registration under the Shops and Establishments Act.
Five new labor courts will be set up in Sonipat, Gurugram, Sohna, Palwal, and Bawal, complemented by an online e-court system for speedy dispute resolution. An integrated licensing process will also be introduced for all labor laws, including the Factories Act, Contract Labor Act, ISMW, BOCW, and Motor Transport Workmen Act, ensuring completion within 26 days.
The Chief Minister emphasized women’s participation in the workforce, announcing safety provisions and permissions for female contract workers to work night shifts, along with full departmental support to ensure equal opportunities.
The Haryana Worker Skill Development Scheme was also announced, offering free skill training to registered industrial and construction workers and their dependents, funded by the Labor Welfare Boards.
Union State Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, Haryana Labor Minister Anil Vij, Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, and other officials were present at the event.
