Odisha Labour Minister’s Surprise Visit to Nayapalli Labour Haat Draws Praise from Workers

Bhubaneswar: Reinforcing its commitment to responsive and inclusive governance, the people’s government led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is making concerted efforts to reach the grassroots. In a significant move aimed at strengthening labour welfare, Ganesh Ram Sing Khuntia, Minister of Labour and State Employees’ Insurance, as well as Forest, Environment and Climate Change, made a surprise visit to the Nayapalli Labour Haat on Saturday morning.

The visit was part of the state government’s broader initiative to directly engage with citizens, especially those at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder. During his inspection, the Minister personally interacted with daily wage workers and enquired about their working conditions, access to benefits, and awareness of government welfare schemes.

Several workers revealed they had not yet received labour cards, prompting the Minister to stress the importance of registration for availing key welfare benefits such as education assistance, marriage grants, maternity support, death compensation, and funeral aid. In response, Sing Khuntia directed departmental officers on the spot to set up a help desk to register unlisted labourers and issue them labour cards without delay.

“Our aim is to ensure no worker is left behind,” the Minister stated. “Without registration, many labourers are missing out on government assistance they rightfully deserve. It is our responsibility to remove bureaucratic barriers and provide these benefits directly.”

Following his visit to the Labour Haat, the Minister proceeded to the Multipurpose Workers’ Shelter in Dumduma, where he listened to further concerns and constructive suggestions from shelter residents. He instructed officials to act swiftly on the issues raised.

Accompanying him during the visit were Labour Commissioner Indramani Tripathi, Joint Labour Commissioner Pranab Kumar Patra, Khordha District Labour Officer Prabhakar Biswal, and District Labour Officer (Welfare) Monalisa Jena, along with other senior officials from the Khordha District Labour Office.

The visit, noted to be the first of its kind by any sitting Labour Minister to a labour haat in Odisha, was met with warm appreciation by the workers. Many expressed gratitude for the government’s direct engagement and described the initiative as a welcome step towards inclusive and empathetic governance.