Bhubaneswar: In a move to foster interstate learning and strengthen labor governance, a high-level delegation from the Chhattisgarh Labour Department engaged in a comprehensive knowledge-sharing session with the Odisha Labour & ESI Department recently.
The visit, centered at the Office of the Labour Commissioner in Odisha, provided a platform for senior officials from Chhattisgarh to observe firsthand the proactive reforms and digital frameworks that have positioned Odisha as a leader in labor welfare.
During the interaction, Shri Indramani Tripathy Labour Commissioner of Odisha, detailed the state’s strategy of leveraging technology to ensure social security for the most vulnerable sections of the workforce. A primary focus of the discussion was the PAReSHRAM portal, a unified digital interface that has streamlined 22 essential labor services, making them transparent and easily accessible for both employers and employees.
The Odisha team also shared insights into several groundbreaking initiatives that have redefined labor administration in the state:
Integrated Migrant Support: The delegation explored Odisha’s end-to-end migrant worker tracking and assistance system, which includes a 24/7 toll-free helpline and specialized help desks in major destination states to provide real-time grievance redressal.
Digitized Welfare Benefits: Discussion on the efficient issuance of labor cards and the direct benefit transfer (DBT) mechanism for various social security schemes, including education and maternity assistance, which has minimized delays and eliminated intermediaries.
Safety First Culture: Insights from the Directorate of Factories and Boilers on shifting toward a proactive safety commitment, where safety committees are empowered through regular state-level training workshops to maintain zero-accident workplaces.
Ease of Compliance: The implementation of a voluntary compliance scheme that rewards transparent businesses while allowing the department to focus enforcement resources on high-risk sectors.
The senior officers from Chhattisgarh commended these citizen-centric practices, particularly the integration of the 5T governance model into labor services.
This visit underscores a collaborative effort between the two states to align their regulatory environments with the new national Labour Codes while prioritizing the dignity and welfare of the workforce.