POONCH, MAY 02: To mark International Workers’ Day, the Office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner Poonch organized a series of awareness and welfare activities across the district to promote labour rights and social security.
International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, traces its origins to the labour movement of the late 19th century, particularly the Haymarket Affair in the United States, which highlighted the demand for an eight-hour workday.
As part of the celebrations, multiple awareness camps were hosted at different locations. A medical Camp was organized at the local Bus Stand in coordination with the Health Department. The camp witnessed significant participation from labourers, daily wagers, construction workers and members of the unorganized sector.
During the camp, representatives of labourers actively shared their concerns related to wages, job security, occupational safety and access to welfare schemes. Officials from the Labour Department addressed these issues and conducted awareness sessions on various Government of India social security schemes including: Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) – providing accidental death and disability coverage at a nominal premium.
They were further acquainted to Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) – offering life insurance coverage and Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) – ensuring old-age pension benefits for unorganized workers.
Officials also highlighted the importance and benefits of registration under the e-Shram portal, which enables workers to access centralized social security benefits and the Labour Card to gain eligibility for financial assistance, education support and health benefits.
Special emphasis was laid on the new Labour Codes, which aim to simplify and modernize labour laws in India. Workers were informed that these codes consolidate numerous existing laws into four major categories—wages, industrial relations, occupational safety and social security. The reforms seek to ensure timely payment of wages, improved workplace safety standards, universal social security coverage and transparency in employer-employee relations.
A similar awareness and medical camp was organized at the Pernai Hydropower Project-Buffliaz Draba, where labourers working at the project site, along with local shopkeepers and residents, participated actively. After Health check-up and basic diagnostic services, the participants were provided free medicines. Labour officials reiterated the importance of safety at construction sites and encouraged workers to register under government schemes to secure their future.
Other highlights of the day included, On-the-spot registration of workers for various social security schemes; distribution of informational pamphlets regarding labour rights and entitlements; interaction sessions between workers and officials to bridge communication gaps; awareness on occupational safety, use of protective equipment and prevention of workplace accidents; promotion of drug-free workplaces under ongoing social awareness initiatives.
The Assistant Labour Commissioner reaffirmed the department’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers and emphasized that such outreach programmes will continue to ensure inclusive growth and social protection for all sections of the labour force in the district.
