Weeks after violent labour unrest in Noida, where workers highlighted rising LPG prices as a strain on household budgets, the district administration has decided to distribute 15,000 free 5kg LPG cylinders to factory and migrant workers, especially those without regular domestic gas connections.
Distribution Plan
Officials stated that camps will be set up in industrial clusters to provide smaller cylinders at a lower entry cost. District supply officer Smriti Gautam said the drive began on April 8 in migrant-dense areas through social organisations and gas agencies but has now shifted focus to factory belts after worker concerns emerged. "These camps are now being designed specifically to reach factory workers," she added.
The 5kg cylinders, commonly called 'chotu cylinders', cost Rs 1,550, of which Rs 900 is a refundable security deposit and the remainder covers the refill. Officials noted that over 50,000 such cylinders have already been distributed in factory-dominated areas this month through industrial associations and gas agencies.
Labour Day Welfare Package
The Labour Day programme includes a broader set of welfare measures. District magistrate Medha Roopam announced that crèches will be opened at 43 factories and ambulance rooms or dispensaries at 79 industrial units. "Five digital skill-development buses will also be launched so factory workers can enrol for upskilling," she said.
Skill training and supplementary classes for labourers' families will be conducted during second shifts in 40 government schools, while 25 enrolment camps under the School Chalo Abhiyan will help bring workers' children into government schools.
Health Initiatives
The health department will distribute three lakh sanitary pads and flag off 25 mobile medical vans under the chief minister's Arogya Rath programme in worker-dense residential areas. A total of 201 Shramik Arogya Camps will be held, providing free medical services through 31 on-site multi-super-speciality hospitals.
Chief medical officer Narendra Kumar said the health push would remain focused on labour-intensive industrial areas. The administration will also inaugurate 25 health ATMs, four advanced life support ambulances, and lay foundation stones for five porta-clinics.
Financial Inclusion
Additionally, 26 bank camps will be set up in labour settlements to promote savings and Jan Dhan account opening, along with financial literacy sessions on UPI, fraud prevention, and health insurance.
