PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on International Labour Day launched five new welfare schemes for labourers and their family members at Panaji.
Addressing the event, the Chief Minister announced medical aid of up to ₹60,000 for elderly workers, support for competitive exam coaching, tuition fee reimbursement up to ₹60,000, and premium coverage under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana for workers.
CM Sawant, along with Labour and Employment Minister Atanasio Monserrate felicitated 20 workers with the Shram Gaurav Award 2026. “Any company which has a worker working for more than 20 years will be felicitated in furture. The company needs to submit the details of the worker to the department,” said CM Sawant
CM Sawant also said industries employing more than 10 workers must compulsorily register with the government. He noted that around 1.40 lakh workers are currently registered, of which only 10,000 are construction workers, and urged companies to ensure labour welfare benefits reach all workers.
Meanwhile, workers’ unions staged protests on the streets, demanding an end to the contract labour system and a minimum monthly wage of ₹30,000 for unskilled workers. Employees of the PWD Labour Supply Society held a separate demonstration at Azad Maidan, highlighting pay disparities among contract workers and demanding permanent status for temporary staff along with a clear labour policy.
Reacting to the agitation, CM Sawant appealed for dialogue instead of protests. He said labour issues should be resolved through discussions with ministers or the labour department, adding that street protests are not a solution.
