There is no compromise with the interests of workers, the benefits of the schemes should reach every eligible worker – District Magistrate

Rajesh Tiwari (Bureau Report)

Sonbhadra / Uttar Pradesh –

A review meeting of district level Shram Bandhu was organized in the NIC of the Collectorate under the chairmanship of District Magistrate Charcha Gaur. In the meeting, various points related to labor welfare, effective compliance of labor laws, registration of construction workers, cess collection, social security of unorganized sector workers and establishment of labor facility centers were reviewed in detail.

Addressing the meeting, the District Magistrate said that workers are the backbone of the society and economy. As per the intention of the government, providing benefits of government schemes to every eligible worker and protecting their rights is the top priority of the administration. He directed the officers to ensure timely and quality disposal of all workers related matters.

In the meeting, the Labor Department informed that district level Shram Bandhu has been formed with the aim of establishing better coordination between workers and employers, strengthening industrial relations and effective enforcement of labor laws. This forum is also an important medium for amicable resolution of disputes arising between workers and employers.

During the review, it was informed that against the target of 362 establishments registered in the financial year 2025-26, 302 establishments were registered. Despite the target not being allocated in the financial year 2026-27, 32 new establishments have been registered so far. At present, 1 lakh 70 thousand 704 construction workers are registered in the district, who are being benefited from various welfare schemes.

While reviewing the cess collection under the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Cess Act, it was told that against the target of Rs 21.71 crore in the financial year 2025-26, a cess amount of more than Rs 16.26 crore was deposited. In the current financial year, cess of Rs 40.82 lakh has been collected so far.

In the meeting, emphasis was laid on registration of more and more eligible workers on the e-Shram portal under the Unorganized Workers Social Security Act. Necessary guidelines were also given to deliver the benefits of various social security schemes to the eligible beneficiaries.

The District Magistrate, while reviewing the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Labor Facility Center (Labor Adda) Scheme, directed all the Deputy District Magistrates to expedite the process of setting up the proposed Labor Facility Centers by completing the land marking and other formalities soon.

During the meeting, INTUC District President Hardev Narayan Tiwari raised the issue of providing identity cards to the workers working in shops and establishments, ensuring overtime payment and providing minimum wages to the workers working in cement industries as per rules. The District Magistrate instructed the concerned officers to investigate the cases and ensure necessary action.

In the meeting, special emphasis was laid on effective implementation of labor welfare and social security schemes and all concerned departments were instructed to work with mutual coordination and give top priority to the interests of workers.