The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, 1st May, 2025:On the occasion of Labour Day, Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta attended the Labours’ Felicitation Ceremony held in Karol Bagh, dedicated to the millions of labours contributing to construction and development. Accompanied by Delhi Cabinet Minister Shri. Kapil Mishra and Member of Parliament Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, the Chief Minister extended her greetings to the labours, honouring their hard work, struggle, and contributions. She also shared information about several welfare schemes aimed at improving the lives of labours and their families.
Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta said that Labour Day is a tribute to those whose unwavering dedication and hard work have laid the foundation of our nation. She honoured the labours who have built structures brick by brick, cultivated the fields to feed the country, and whose relentless efforts are driving India’s growth story forward. Highlighting their pivotal role, she remarked that these labours are not merely laborers—they are the very pillars of nation-building. In their hands lie not just tools, but the dreams and aspirations of a developed India. On this occasion, she congratulated all labours on behalf of the Delhi Government and reminded everyone that behind every building, road, bridge, and symbol of progress is the silent strength and sacrifice of our working class.”
She further stated that labours are the builders of India, and without them, the nation’s progress is incomplete. Millions of labours come to the capital from across the country with hopes of a better future for their families, seeking employment, housing, education, and healthcare facilities. However, previous government neither understood their needs and dreams nor formulated plans for them. She expressed gratitude to our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who has understood the pain of the labourers.
The Chief Minister said that the country is now changing. Now, the labourers will receive the same respect, rights, and facilities as other citizens. The nation is built by the hands of labours, and now they will receive their due—with respect and constitutional rights. Our government will now protect the rights and dignity of every worker who has been neglected until now.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister provided information about several schemes initiated by the Delhi government, stating that all labours of Delhi will now receive free medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh under Ayushman Bharat Yojna. Through the Ayushman Card, labours will have access to free treatment in any government or private hospital across India. Additionally, the ‘Vay Vandana Yojana’ has been launched for citizens above 70 years of age. The Delhi government will bear the cost of their treatment, testing, and medications up to 10 lakhs.
Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta stated that until now, there was no dedicated system in Delhi for the welfare of labours, gig labours, domestic helpers, taxi and auto drivers. But now, separate welfare boards will be formed for all these groups—the Labours Welfare Board, Gig Labours Board, Domestic Helpers Board, and Taxi-Auto Drivers Welfare Board. The Delhi government will now be responsible for the welfare, safety, and rights of all these groups. She further mentioned that our labours often live alone in Delhi, away from their families, and arranging food and accommodation is a challenge for them. Therefore, the Delhi government has decided to establish 100 ‘Atal Canteens’ throughout the city, where the poor will receive nutritious meals for just ₹5.
Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta highlighted the ‘Palna Yojana,’ emphasizing the Delhi government’s commitment to supporting hardworking women labours—whether at construction sites, in households, or other workplaces—who have young children. She pointed out that while women from well-off families can afford to place their children in crèches or play schools, poor women often lack such options. If they stay home to care for their children, they lose their source of income. To address this issue, the Delhi government has decided to establish 500 ‘Palna Kendras’ in Delhi. These centers will provide childcare by trained nurses, Anganwadi labours, and other female staff. She mentioned that this initiative will not only empower mothers but also ensure the safety and care of their children.
The Chief Minister announced a new scheme under which the Delhi government will conduct free annual health check-ups for labours and their family members. She stated that our labours often work in difficult and risky environments, leading to serious illnesses. The government will now take full responsibility for their health. Additionally, considering the intense heat, arrangements will be made to ensure that labours are not forced to work between 12 noon and 3 pm. An official advisory has already been issued in this regard. The Chief Minister also mentioned that the Delhi government has increased the minimum wage for labours, providing direct benefits to all labours from 1st April, 2025.
She further stated, “Delhi government is working among you to solve your problems. The government is now working on the principle of “Triple Engine”—ensuring that the direct benefits of every scheme reach the common people, the poor, and worker families. This is our commitment.”
Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta said that the Delhi government is not only taking care of the rights and wages of labours but is also committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of them at workplaces. She said that providing a safe and convenient environment at workplaces is the government’s priority. Additionally, considering the intense heat, the Chief Minister announced that the plan to install 3,000 water coolers in Delhi for labours and the general public is progressing rapidly.
The Chief Minister stated that labours in Delhi will now receive the rights and respect they truly deserve. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi and our government are firmly committed to protecting labours’ interests. On this occasion, the Chief Minister referred to all labours as part of her ‘family,’ making it clear that her government will now prioritize labours in every policy decision.
On this occasion, Labour Minister Shri Kapil Mishra, stated, “For the first time in seven years, such a grand event has been organized by the Delhi Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to honour our workers. Previous governments ignored the poor and labourers, but our government has recognized them with dignity and made them an integral part of a progressive Delhi. In just the last two months, the Delhi Government has accomplished what the people of this city had been waiting 27 years for. Our government is working 24/7 to resolve the issues of the public.
Recently, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme for elderly citizens aged 70 and above, under which senior citizens in the national capital will receive free medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh. In addition, our government has taken another concrete step for workers by increasing the minimum wage rates. With this move, Delhi has joined the ranks of a few select states in the country that offer the highest minimum wages.”
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