New Delhi: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday announced a series of welfare measures for construction workers, including the deployment of mobile health vans at labour chowks and construction sites across the capital. The announcements were made at a labour welfare event organised by Sant Nirankari Mandal in Dhirpur.
Key Welfare Initiatives
The package includes financial assistance for the weddings of workers' daughters and government-organised mass wedding ceremonies. Gupta urged construction workers to register on the government's workers' portal to access the benefits, adding that special enrolment camps would be held for the purpose.
At the event, Gupta distributed safety kits to 1,000 construction workers and education kits to 100 children of registered workers.
"Our government is fully waiving registration and renewal fees for construction workers. Through mass wedding events, workers' families will receive dignified support. We will also set up modern labour chowks and worker service centres to ensure essential services reach workers directly," Gupta said in a post on X.
Fee Waivers and Mass Wedding Scheme
Earlier, the registration fee for building and construction workers was Rs 20, while the renewal fee stood at Rs 5. Under the mass wedding scheme, the Delhi government will provide financial assistance to couples and bear expenses related to tents, food, and other arrangements.
Modern Labour Chowks and Shramik Seva Kendras
To improve service delivery, the Delhi government plans to establish modern labour chowks and dedicated Shramik Seva Kendras. These centres will be supported by mobile service vans to ensure doorstep access to services. Facilities such as drinking water, seating, toilets, first aid, employment linkages, skill development support, and grievance redressal mechanisms will be provided.
Chief Minister's Interaction with Workers
During the event, the chief minister interacted with women workers and assured them of responsive governance. "Workers do not merely build structures; they contribute to the nation's progress. The government's responsibility goes beyond using their labour. It includes improving their quality of life, ensuring safety, and creating opportunities for their families," she said.
Gupta also highlighted worker welfare initiatives launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that platforms such as the e-Shram portal and other social security schemes have benefited millions nationwide. "Delhi government is strengthening this framework through a single-window portal, on-site registration at labour chowks, enhanced minimum wages, Atal canteens, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and mobile health services," she said.
Safety Kits and Education Kits
Emphasising workplace safety, Gupta said the kits distributed to workers included helmets, gloves, masks, reflective jackets, and other protective equipment, underscoring the focus on safety in high-risk construction environments. Education kits were also given to 100 children of registered construction workers studying in government schools. These included school bags, books, stationery, and other learning material to support their education.
Skill Development Programme
Gupta also launched a skill development programme aimed at training around 35,000 workers annually. Each batch will have at least 20 participants. In the initial phase, five batches have been rolled out, each with 100 workers. Training will cover trades such as assistant mason, bar bender, electrician, construction painter and decorator, shuttering carpenter, among others.
