Labour Day: Workers made aware of their rights

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Panchkula, led by Aparna Bhardwaj, Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary, DLSA, conducted a legal awareness programme to educate industrial and construction workers about their rights and entitlements on International Labour Day.

The initiative was held under the Action Plan of the Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA).

The main event took place at Stylam Industries, Phase-1 Industrial Area, in collaboration with the Labour Department, Panchkula. Labour officials, including Anjana Goel, Assistant Labour Commissioner, and Inspectors Kiran Verma and Krishan addressed the workers. They provided crucial information on labour laws, wage rights, social security schemes, health benefits and other government welfare initiatives. The interactive nature of the session encouraged workers to engage and seek clarity on the issues they face at work.

Bhardwaj emphasised the need for awareness of workplace rights and encouraged workers to report exploitation and injustice. She highlighted the availability of free legal aid and shared the NALSA Legal Aid Helpline (15100) for those seeking assistance. She also spoke about state and central schemes covering health insurance, pensions, education for children and maternity benefits for women.

Later, Bhardwaj visited a construction site in Sector 20, where she interacted labourers. She discussed their legal protections under the BOCW Act and emphasised support for female workers and their children, encouraging them to raise their concerns without fear.

Chandigarh