Delhi government announces free health checkups, rest hours and nutritious meals among welfare measures for workers

Time of India

01-05-2025

New Delhi: Delhi govt on Thursday announced it will conduct free annual health check-up of labourers and their family members, fix peak afternoon hours as rest time for workers, and provide them nutritious meals through 100 Atal Canteens.
Addressing a programme to felicitate workers on International Labour Day, chief minister Rekha Gupta said, "Considering the heat, arrangements will be made to ensure that labourers are not forced to work between 12 noon and 3 pm when the day is intensely warm. An official advisory has already been issued in this regard, and a notification will be brought soon."
"Our labourers often work in difficult and risky environments, leading to serious illnesses. Govt will now take full responsibility for their health," CM said.
Gupta said labourers often live alone in Delhi, away from their families, and arranging food and accommodation is a challenge for them. "Therefore, Delhi govt has decided to establish 100 Atal Canteens across the city, where the poor will receive nutritious meals for just Rs 5," she said.
Gupta said BJP govt is committed to improving the lives of people who come to Delhi for livelihood and better health and education. She highlighted various initiatives undertaken by Delhi govt in the past two months after coming to power. Schemes such as Ayushman Bharat for health insurance and Vay Vandana Yojana for the elderly have been implemented, she said. Through the Ayushman Card, labourers will have access to free treatment in any govt or private hospital across India, CM said.
Gupta said until now, there was no dedicated system in Delhi for the welfare of labourers, gig workers, domestic helpers, and taxi and auto drivers. "But now, separate welfare boards will be formed for all these groups: the Labourers Welfare Board, Gig Labourers Board, Domestic Helpers Board and Taxi-Auto Drivers Welfare Board."
She also noted 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, Delhi govt has decided to establish 500 Palna Kendras. These centres will provide childcare by trained nurses, anganwadi labourers, and other female staff."
The initiative, Gupta said, will not only empower mothers, but also ensure the safety and care of their children.