Bhubaneswar, May 2: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi praised the relentless efforts and sacrifices of workers, stating they play a crucial role in advancing both the state and the nation. Speaking at a special event held on International Labor Day, he emphasized that ensuring fair wages and a respectful work environment remains a top priority for his government.
“The workers are the true creators of human civilization. Their hard work and sacrifices contribute significantly to the progress of our nation and state. Therefore, we must collectively ensure they receive fair wages, along with equal rights, social security, and workplace safety,” he stated.
The Chief Minister highlighted that this day symbolizes the unity, struggle, and rights of workers, noting that the government has initiated several measures for their overall welfare.
He reported that over 500,000 construction workers have been newly registered under the Construction Workers Welfare Board in the fiscal year 2025-26, receiving assistance exceeding ₹541 crores. Special measures have also been implemented to ensure social security for workers in the unorganized sector.
Expressing satisfaction, the Chief Minister mentioned that essential services are being efficiently delivered to workers through the ‘Shramik Saathi’ mobile app.
On this occasion, he announced an increase of ₹10 per day in the variable dearness allowance for workers, effective retroactively from April 1. As a result, the daily wages for unskilled workers will rise to ₹472, semi-skilled workers to ₹522, skilled workers to ₹572, and highly skilled workers to ₹622.
The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s focus on the safety and support of migrant workers, introducing a helpline system for immediate assistance. He noted that with large-scale industrialization, the issue of distressed migration is being addressed, ensuring employment opportunities within the state. Reverse migration has already begun, with Odia workers returning from places like Tirupur and Coimbatore to work in the state’s textile industry.
Within just 22 months of the BJP-led government taking office, nearly 92,000 youths have secured jobs in the private sector, including around 10,000 who returned from other states to work in Odisha.
To ensure year-round employment for workers, the government is launching the ‘Dalkhai Scheme,’ which aims to play a crucial role in addressing the issue of distressed migration.
On Friday, identification cards were issued to 6,000 eligible construction workers across the state, and beneficiaries received assistance amounting to ₹150 crores.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
