Bhubaneswar, May 2: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi commended the relentless efforts and sacrifices of workers, stating that they play a vital role in advancing both the state and the nation. He emphasized that ensuring fair wages and a respectful work environment remains a top priority for his government.
While addressing a special event on International Labor Day in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister remarked, “Workers are the true creators of human civilization. Their tireless efforts and sacrifices contribute significantly to the progress of our nation and state. Therefore, we must collectively ensure they receive fair wages, along with equal rights, social security, and workplace safety.”
The Chief Minister noted that this day symbolizes the unity, struggle, and rights of workers. The government has initiated several measures for the overall welfare of laborers.
Highlighting the steps taken by the state government, CM Majhi mentioned that over 500,000 construction workers have been newly registered under the Construction Workers Welfare Board for the fiscal year 2025-26, receiving assistance exceeding ₹541 crore. He also stated that special measures have been implemented to ensure social security for workers in the unorganized sector.
Expressing satisfaction, the Chief Minister stated that essential services are being efficiently delivered to workers through the ‘Shramik Saathi’ mobile app.
On this occasion, CM Majhi announced an increase of ₹10 per day in the variable dearness allowance for workers, effective retroactively from April 1. As a result, the daily wages for unskilled workers will rise to ₹472, semi-skilled workers to ₹522, skilled workers to ₹572, and highly skilled workers to ₹622.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government is particularly focused on the safety and support of migrant workers, with a helpline system in place for immediate assistance.
He mentioned that with large-scale industrialization, the issue of distressed migration (Dadan system) will be resolved in the coming days, providing employment opportunities within the state. Steps have already been taken in this direction, with reverse migration underway, as Odia workers return from places like Tirupur and Coimbatore to work in the state’s textile industry.
He added that within just 22 months of the BJP-led government taking office, nearly 92,000 youths have found employment in the private sector, including about 10,000 who have returned from other states to work in Odisha.
Furthermore, to ensure year-round employment for workers, the government is launching the ‘Dalkhai Scheme,’ which will play a crucial role in addressing the issue of distressed migration.
On Friday, identification cards were issued to 6,000 eligible construction workers across the state, and ₹150 crore in assistance was distributed to beneficiaries.
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