On Vishwakarma Jayanti, CM announces major relief for labourers with housing, health, and e-rickshaw benefits

RAIPUR (India CSR): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai marked Vishwakarma Jayanti by extending a historic welfare package for the state’s working class. Addressing a packed crowd at the Indoor Stadium in Raipur, the CM announced that the government had disbursed Rs. 65.16 crore directly into the bank accounts of 1.84 lakh workers under multiple welfare schemes. He emphasized that the hard work of labourers was the foundation of development and that their contribution was critical to realizing the dream of ‘Viksit Chhattisgarh’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’. The announcement drew applause from thousands of workers who participated in the event.

E-Rickshaw Aid Raised To ₹1.50 Lakh

In a significant move aimed at empowering women and daily wage earners, CM Sai increased the grant under the Didi E-Rickshaw Yojana from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.50 lakh. The scheme has been particularly beneficial for women-led self-help groups who have used e-rickshaws for livelihood opportunities in both urban and semi-urban areas. By increasing the aid amount, the government aims to make sustainable transportation more accessible and affordable. The Chief Minister said this reform will not only boost economic independence but also promote eco-friendly urban mobility, ensuring that women entrepreneurs can play a bigger role in the state’s development.

Housing Grant Hiked To ₹1.50 Lakh

Highlighting the government’s focus on providing shelter to every working family, the CM raised the house construction assistance for registered workers under the Mukhyamantri Nirman Shramik Awas Yojana from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.50 lakh. He said housing was a fundamental right, and the government wanted no worker’s family to remain without a safe shelter. The scheme has already helped thousands of families in rural and semi-urban areas build permanent houses. The increased grant will further ease financial stress and encourage more families to avail the benefit. Sai added that this step reflects the government’s deep concern for labour dignity and social security.

Free Health Checkups For Registered Workers

Recognizing that health expenses often burden poor families, the CM announced free health checkups for all registered workers. The Labour Department will bear the entire cost, ensuring workers have access to preventive healthcare and timely treatment. This measure aims to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and improve workers’ productivity. Sai said healthy workers are the backbone of a progressive economy, and their well-being must be a priority. By institutionalizing health checkups, the state hopes to detect illnesses early and provide affordable medical solutions. This initiative was widely welcomed by workers, many of whom struggle to pay for routine health examinations.

DBT Transfer Ensures Transparency

Chief Minister Sai highlighted the government’s push for direct benefit transfers (DBT), which he described as a hallmark of transparency and efficiency. He said that ₹65.16 crore had been transferred straight into the accounts of 1,84,220 workers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring the rightful beneficiaries get their due. The transfer covered multiple welfare schemes, including the Didi E-Rickshaw Yojana, Minimata Mahatari Jatan Yojana, Construction Workers’ Safety Equipment Scheme, Mukhyamantri Noni Empowerment Yojana, and scholarship schemes for workers’ children. Sai said DBT not only strengthens trust in governance but also makes welfare delivery quick, direct, and corruption-free, boosting workers’ confidence.

Modi, Vajpayee Praised

In his address, CM Sai invoked the legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, under whose leadership the state of Chhattisgarh was formed. He said Vajpayee’s vision continues to inspire development initiatives. The CM also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that his people-centric governance has accelerated Chhattisgarh’s growth and uplifted the lives of common citizens. On the occasion of Modi’s birthday, Sai extended greetings and wished him a long, healthy life. He said Chhattisgarh’s silver jubilee year was dedicated to workers’ hard work and to the commitment of leaders like Vajpayee and Modi, who prioritized development and public welfare.

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Education Support For Workers’ Children

The CM emphasized that education was the greatest equalizer and announced new initiatives for workers’ children. Seats under the Atal Utkrisht Shiksha Yojana will be doubled from 100 to 200 in the next academic session. Additionally, free coaching for IIT, JEE, NEET, and CA exams will be offered to ensure talented students from worker families are not left behind due to financial constraints. Sai also announced that seats at the Tribal Hostel in Delhi for UPSC aspirants will rise from 50 to 185. He said such steps will open doors of opportunity for the next generation, breaking cycles of poverty.

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E-Shram Portal Provides Relief

CM Sai noted the crucial role of the E-Shram Portal, which has brought relief to millions of workers by streamlining registration and benefits. He said that even if an unregistered worker dies at the workplace, their family will now be eligible for Rs. 1 lakh assistance. The state has also launched the ‘Shramev Jayate’ website and helpline, which allows workers to register grievances and get quick resolutions. Sai said these digital measures underline his government’s focus on speed, accountability, and inclusion. By leveraging technology, the state aims to strengthen worker welfare and make grievance redressal faster and more effective.

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Ministers Laud Labour Contributions

Labour Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan addressed the gathering and praised workers for their role in nation-building. He said the Labour Department runs 72 schemes across three divisions, benefitting lakhs of workers every year. He reiterated that the CM’s announcement of Rs. 65.16 crore DBT support would have a massive impact on families across Chhattisgarh. Dewangan also recalled Sai’s interaction with students of the Atal Utkrisht Shiksha Yojana, during which he announced that more seats will be added. Other ministers, including Ramvichar Netam, O.P. Choudhary, Kedar Kashyap, Dayaldas Baghel, and others, applauded the CM’s leadership and called the initiatives historic.

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Political Significance Of The Event

The event was seen as both a welfare programme and a political show of strength for the government. Organised at Raipur Indoor Stadium, the Labour Convention witnessed participation from over 50,000 people, including workers, ministers, MLAs, and MPs. Analysts said the announcement of higher assistance amounts and health benefits will play a crucial role in strengthening the ruling government’s bond with the working class. As the state celebrates its silver jubilee year, such initiatives highlight the government’s welfare-driven governance model. Political observers believe the moves could have significant electoral impact by reinforcing pro-worker credentials.

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Voices From The Ground

Workers and officials welcomed the announcements, calling them a “festival of welfare.” Dr. Ram Pratap Singh, Chairman of the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, said the increase in grants reflects the CM’s intent to uplift labour families. Raipur Zila Panchayat Chairman Naveen Agrawal remarked that the DBT transfers would not only benefit workers but also stimulate the local economy as families spend on housing, health, and education. Local workers expressed relief that health checkups would now be free, saying this would reduce financial burdens. The ground response indicated strong approval of the CM’s welfare push.

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Massive Turnout At Labour Convention

The atmosphere at the Raipur Indoor Stadium was charged with energy, as thousands of workers, trade union leaders, and families attended the convention. Cultural performances, traditional songs, and slogans praising labourers added to the festive mood. State ministers, MLAs, MPs, and senior officials of the Labour Department were present in full strength. Many workers carried placards hailing the government’s “Shramveer Samman” initiatives. Political observers noted that the massive turnout was symbolic of the importance given to labour welfare in the state’s development agenda. The convention highlighted both welfare delivery and political outreach in one platform.

Fact Sheet: Key Announcements By CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Aid of ₹65.16 crore disbursed to 1.84 lakh workers.
E-rickshaw subsidy increased to ₹1.50 lakh.
Housing grant hiked to ₹1.50 lakh.
Free health checkups for registered workers.
Education support: Free coaching for IIT-JEE, NEET, CA.
Atal Utkrisht Shiksha Yojana seats doubled from 100 to 200.
Delhi Tribal Hostel seats tripled from 50 to 185.
72 labour schemes running under Labour Department.

Key Facts: CM Vishnu Deo Sai’s Announcements on Vishwakarma Jayanti

Category	Details
Total Beneficiaries	1,84,220 registered workers across Chhattisgarh
Total Aid Disbursed	₹65.16 crore via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
E-Rickshaw Subsidy	Increased from ₹1 lakh → ₹1.50 lakh under Didi E-Rickshaw Yojana
Housing Grant	Raised from ₹1 lakh → ₹1.50 lakh under Mukhyamantri Nirman Shramik Awas
Health Checkups	Free for all registered workers; costs borne by Labour Department
Education Support	Free coaching for IIT, JEE, NEET, CA exams for workers’ children
Atal Shiksha Yojana	Seats doubled: 100 → 200 for talented students from worker families
UPSC Hostel in Delhi	Seats increased: 50 → 185 for Tribal Hostel students preparing for UPSC
Digital Support	E-Shram Portal, Shramev Jayate Website & Helpline for grievance redressal
Labour Schemes	72 welfare schemes running under Labour Department