Odisha CM Inaugurates Labour Waiting Centers in Bhubaneswar, Launches Welfare Initiatives for Workers

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated multi-purpose Labour Waiting Centers at Dumduma and Kalpana Chhak in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant step toward improving the working conditions and dignity of labourers in the state. These centers, equipped with temporary shelter facilities, clean drinking water, toilets, and adjoining parks, are designed to provide comfort and safety for daily wage workers awaiting employment.

The Chief Minister announced that similar centers would soon be established in other key urban centers including Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Keonjhar, and Berhampur. Speaking at the inauguration event, Majhi underlined the state government’s commitment to the welfare of workers and emphasized the role of the Labour and Employees State Insurance Department in ensuring their legal rights and social security.

In a move to support construction workers, the Chief Minister distributed financial aid under the Construction Workers Welfare Scheme. The assistance covers a wide range of needs, including education, marriage, maternity, death, and funeral support. He also declared a major enhancement in death compensation provided by the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. Assistance for normal deaths has been increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh, and for accidental deaths from ₹4 lakh to ₹6 lakh.

Majhi noted that around 47 lakh construction workers have been registered under the scheme, with the government disbursing over ₹3,951 crore in welfare benefits to date. To further ease access to these services, the Chief Minister launched the ‘Odisha Sramik Sathi’ mobile app, which enables workers to register, renew, and apply for assistance online. This digital platform is expected to greatly simplify access to benefits for workers across the state.

The Chief Minister also announced an increase in minimum wages, with a rise of approximately ₹100 per day across all categories—unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled workers. A dedicated task force has been formed to identify and support migrant workers, and a State Action Plan has been prepared specifically for Odia migrants working in other states.

In line with the government’s commitment to worker welfare and industrial growth, Majhi highlighted the ongoing implementation of the Centre’s business simplification scheme and the promotion of new industries. Labour-related services such as registration and licensing are now available through the Labour Department’s digital ‘Parisram Portal’, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.

Addressing the wider needs of underprivileged families, the Chief Minister also announced the upcoming launch of the ‘Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana’, which will provide financial support for the marriage of girls from economically weaker sections. He reiterated his government’s resolve to alleviate the hardships faced by working families and pledged continued support to the state’s labour force.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Labour and Employees’ State Insurance, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, acknowledged the critical role of workers in nation-building and emphasized that their hard work remains the bedrock of Odisha’s development.