Stresses on spreading awareness about welfare initiatives for Workers
KATHUA: To enhance awareness among the working community and to promote welfare-oriented initiatives, the Labour Department, J&K organised a mega event titled ”Shram Utsav” at the Government Degree College Auditorium Kathua. The event was held under the theme “Awareness, Empowerment and Workers’ Rights”, focusing on educating and empowering workers about their entitlements and social security benefits.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation of over 300 workers representing organised, unorganised, and construction sectors across the district. The event was graced by Labour Commissioner, J&K, Charandeep Singh as the Chief Guest along with other departmental officers and dignitaries.
The event commenced with the Lighting of the Lamp, followed by a Welcome Address by Assistant Labour Commissioner, Kathua Piyusha Khajuria, who highlighted the department’s commitment to ensuring social and economic security for workers through the effective implementation of various labour laws and welfare schemes.
A powerful Nukkad Natak themed “Shram Ka Samman – Har Haath Ko Adhikar” was presented, delivering a strong social message on workers’ rights and the dignity of labour.
As part of the event’s major highlights, over 150 workers were registered under the J&K Building and Other Construction Workers (BOC) Welfare Board, with labour cards issued on the spot. Additionally, 80 workers were enrolled under various social security schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM). Dedicated registration stalls were set up at the venue to facilitate on-spot enrolment of workers from the unorganised and construction sectors.
At the event, workers also shared their personal success stories, narrating how the department’s interventions have positively transformed their lives. Nirmala Kumar, whose husband suffered an injury during work, expressed gratitude to the department for facilitating a compensation amount of ₹7.5 lakh under the Employee Compensation Act, which helped her family start a small enterprise and regain financial stability. Similarly, daughter of a registered construction worker, ”Lt. Sh Nakul Sehdev” shared that after her father’s demise, the family received ₹5 lakh under the Death Assistance Scheme of the Board — an aid that provided crucial support in sustaining their livelihood.
The Labour Commissioner J&K also distributed financial assistance cheques worth ₹29.81 lakh to 495 registered construction workers under the Education Assistance Scheme. Further, three meritorious students of registered construction workers were awarded cheques of ₹50,000 each under the Meritorious Student Award Scheme of the Board. An additional ₹5 lakh was disbursed as compensation to the family of an injured worker under the Employee Compensation Act. These financial disbursements reaffirm the department’s commitment to extending tangible welfare benefits to workers and their families.
On the occasion, the exemplary workers were honoured for their dedication and contribution towards promoting a safe and dignified work culture.
Addressing the gathering, Labour Commissioner, J&K Charandeep Singh, lauded the efforts of the Labour Department, Kathua, for effectively implementing welfare measures at the grassroots level. He gave a concise overview of the department’s major initiatives and underlined the continuous efforts being made to ensure the holistic welfare of the labour community. He emphasised the importance of flagship schemes of the department and the proactive role of the Labour Welfare Board in reaching out to workers across the districts.
The Commissioner further appreciated the coordinated efforts of district teams and urged that the message of unity, awareness and welfare must continue to spread. He also noted that events like Shram Utsav serve as vital platforms to highlight the labour sector and strengthen awareness about workers’ rights and entitlements.
The event concluded with a Vote of thanks by ALC Kathua Piyusha Khajuria, who extended gratitude to the Chief Guest, departmental officials, participating workers and the media fraternity for their active participation in making Shram Utsav a resounding success.