Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday paid tribute to the working class on the occasion of International Workers’ Day, announcing a hike in variable dearness allowance and unveiling a series of welfare measures aimed at strengthening labour rights and social security in the state.
Addressing a state-level celebration held at the OUAT Krushi Shiksha Sadan in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister described workers as the “true builders of human civilisation,” emphasising that their contribution is central to the state’s growth and development.
“Along with fair remuneration, ensuring workers’ rights, social security, and workplace safety must remain a collective priority,” Majhi said, recalling May Day as a symbol of workers’ unity, struggle, and rights.
Announcing a key relief measure, the Chief Minister said the state government has increased the variable dearness allowance by ₹10 per day with retrospective effect from April 1. Following the revision, daily wages for unskilled workers will rise to ₹472, semi-skilled workers to ₹522, skilled workers to ₹572, and highly skilled workers to ₹622.
Highlighting welfare initiatives, Majhi said over five lakh new construction workers have been registered under the state’s Construction Workers Welfare Board in the 2025–26 financial year, with assistance exceeding ₹541 crore disbursed. He added that steps have been intensified to extend social security coverage to unorganised workers, with services being streamlined through the ‘Shramik Saathi’ mobile application.
The Chief Minister also underscored efforts to address migrant labour concerns, stating that helpline systems are in place for immediate assistance and that the government is focusing on industrialisation to curb seasonal migration. “Reverse migration has begun, with Odia workers returning from industrial hubs like Tirupur and Coimbatore to work in the state’s growing garment sector,” he said.
Majhi further announced the launch of the ‘Dalkhai Scheme’, aimed at ensuring year-round employment opportunities and reducing distress migration. He noted that within 22 months of the government assuming office, around 92,000 youths have secured private sector employment, including 10,000 who have returned from other states.
In a major infrastructure push, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for 50 permanent offices for Divisional Labour Commissioners and Assistant Labour Officers across the state, with an estimated investment of ₹130 crore. He said the move would significantly improve access to government services for workers.
On the occasion, five labour leaders were honoured with the ‘Chief Minister Shramik Bandhu Samman’ for their contributions to workers’ welfare. The awardees included Sumita Mahapatra (Bhadrak), Kishore Chandra Jena (Cuttack), Gokul Meher (Sambalpur), Madan Mohan Dhala (Bhubaneswar), and Prashant Kumar Padhi (Burla).
The Chief Minister also distributed identity cards to 6,000 construction workers and sanctioned ₹150 crore in assistance covering education, marriage, and death benefits for various beneficiaries.
Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia extended greetings to workers and reiterated their pivotal role in achieving the vision of a developed Odisha.
Additional Chief Secretary Chitra Arumugam welcomed participants, while Labour Commissioner Indramani Tripathy proposed the vote of thanks.
