Labour Minister directs officials to intensify awareness drive for welfare schemes among industrial workers
Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, April 23:
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and upliftment of industrial workers, the Punjab Labour Welfare Board has disbursed financial assistance amounting to ₹17.11 crore to 7,831 beneficiaries under various welfare schemes during the last financial year.
Chairing a review meeting to assess the progress and ongoing activities of the Board, Punjab Labour Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond stressed the need to further strengthen outreach efforts. He directed officials to intensify awareness campaigns so that a larger number of eligible workers can benefit from the welfare schemes. The Minister said that lack of awareness often prevents workers from availing themselves of the assistance meant for their well-being.
Highlighting the scope of the schemes, the Labour Minister stated that industrial workers employed in establishments covered under the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1965 are eligible to receive benefits provided by the Board. He added that these initiatives are designed to support workers and their families across various aspects of life, including health, education and social security.
The schemes offered by the Board include financial assistance for medical treatment and general surgeries, ex-gratia grants, funeral expenses, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), maternity benefits and support for workers with mental or physical disabilities. Additionally, workers can avail benefits under the shagun scheme, assistance for spectacles, dental care and hearing aids, as well as stipend schemes for education and disability compensation.
The Minister reiterated that the Mann government is committed to ensuring that welfare measures reach every eligible worker, thereby improving their quality of life and providing a safety net in times of need. He called upon officials to adopt proactive measures, including awareness camps and simplified application procedures, to maximize the reach and impact of these schemes.
The Punjab Government continues to prioritize labour welfare as a key component of its inclusive growth agenda, ensuring that industrial workers receive the support and dignity they deserve.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Secretary Labour Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Secretary Indstry and Commerce Mohinderpal, Labour commissioner cum Welfare Commissioner, Punjab Rajiv Kumar Gupta, Member Baldev Balkhandi and others.
