Gurugram, Apr 26 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said that the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' can only be realised through the active participation and empowerment of the labour force.
The chief minister said this while addressing a Labour Awareness and Felicitation Programme organised at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Sector-38 here.
According to an official statement, while responding to a demand raised by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh for the formation of a dedicated welfare mechanism for drivers, Saini announced that the 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 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.
Saini said that Haryana has become the first state in the country to implement a 35 per cent 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.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to improving the quality of life of workers, the chief minister stated that an amount of Rs 40 crores has been directly transferred into the bank accounts of 34,197 beneficiaries under 29 labour welfare schemes through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The chief minister stated that the government has leveraged technology to ensure the transparent and efficient delivery of welfare benefits to workers.
Under the guidance of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 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.
The chief minister stated that the Employees' State Insurance Scheme has been implemented across the state since July 1, 2017.
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.
The chief minister stated that a dedicated rehabilitation policy for workers affected by silicosis is being implemented, under which financial assistance amounting to Rs 41.74 crore has already been disbursed to 673 beneficiaries.
"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", Saini said.
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, Singh said.