Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of International Labour Day, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi attended a state-level ceremony held at the OUAT Agriculture Education Sadan premises. Paying rich tributes to the working class, the Chief Minister lauded their tireless efforts and sacrifices, describing them as the true builders of human civilization.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to the welfare of labourers, the Chief Minister emphasized that ensuring fair wages, social security, and legal rights is a collective responsibility. He reflected on the historical significance of May Day as a symbol of unity and the struggle for workers’ rights.
During the event, CM Shri Majhi announced a significant increase in the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) by 10 Rupees per day, effective retrospectively from April 1. Following this hike, the revised daily wages are:
- Unskilled Workers: 472 Rupees
- Semi-skilled Workers: 522 Rupees
- Skilled Workers: 572 Rupees
- Highly Skilled Workers: 622 Rupees
The Chief Minister shared that in the 2025-26 financial year, over 5 lakh new construction workers were registered under the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, with over 541 Crore Rupees disbursed in assistance. He also expressed satisfaction with the Shramik Sathi mobile app, which streamlines service delivery for workers.
Addressing the issue of migration, the Chief Minister stated that rapid industrialization is paving the way for “reverse migration.” He noted that around 10,000 Odia youths have already returned from hubs like Tiruppur and Coimbatore to work in Odisha’s growing garment industry. To provide year-round employment and curb distress migration, the government is launching the Dalkhai Yojana.
Marking a step forward in administrative efficiency, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for 50 new permanent offices for Divisional Labour Commissioners and Assistant Labour Officers, allocated at a budget of 130 Crore Rupees.
As a gesture of appreciation, the CM conferred the “Mukhyamantri Shramik Bandhu Samman” upon five distinguished labour leaders: Smt. Sumita Mahapatra (Bhadrak), Shri Kishore Chandra Jena (Cuttack), Shri Gokula Meher (Sambalpur), Shri Madan Mohan Dhala (Bhubaneswar), and Shri Prashant Kumar Padhi (Burla). Additionally, identity cards and financial assistance worth 150 Crore Rupees for education, marriage, and death benefits were distributed to beneficiaries across the state.
Labour Minister Shri Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia addressed the gathering, reaffirming that workers are the backbone of the vision for a “Viksit Odisha.”
The event was also attended by Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Shri Babu Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Smt. Chitra Arumugam, and Labour Commissioner Shri Indramani Tripathy. Shri Tripathy effectively coordinated the entire program, which scripted success.