LABOUR PRIDE: Workers take out a silent march to mark International Labour Day in Panaji on Friday.
PANAJI
The Goa government has made it mandatory for all private companies and industries employing more than 10 workers to register with the Labour Department, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Friday.
Speaking at the International Labour Day function in Panaji, Sawant said the move is aimed at ensuring better implementation of labour welfare schemes and wider coverage of workers across the State. “Industries with more than 10 labourers have to compulsorily register with the department. Industries or companies will have to take the initiative and get them registered,” he said.
The Chief Minister revealed that around 1.40 lakh workers are currently registered with the department, of which only about 10,000 are construction workers, indicating gaps in coverage. He pointed out that despite a substantial labour welfare fund being available; benefits are not adequately reaching workers. “There is a huge labour welfare fund, but the benefits are not reaching the labour or working class,” he said, urging industries to ensure 100 per cent coverage.
At the event, the government launched five new welfare schemes aimed at supporting labourers and their families. These include medical assistance of up to Rs 60,000 for elderly workers and their parents, financial support for competitive exam coaching, and tuition fee reimbursement up to Rs 60,000.
Sawant also announced that workers would be covered under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, with the State government paying the premium for an insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh.
In addition, the government is working on a mechanism to ensure that workers receive medical aid of up to Rs 60,000 over and above benefits available under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY).
Further strengthening social security measures, the Chief Minister announced a death benefit of Rs 50,000 to the next of kin of a worker and Rs 25,000 compensation in case of injuries sustained during work.
During the event, Sawant, along with Labour and Employment Minister Atanasio Monserrate, felicitated 20 workers with the Shram Gaurav Award 2026 in recognition of their contribution to the workforce.
