Panaji, May 1 (IANS) Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday launched a series of worker-centric welfare schemes on the occasion of International Labour Day at Lok Bhawan, aimed at empowering the labour force and strengthening social security across the state.

The initiatives were unveiled in the presence of Revenue, Labour and Employment Minister Atanasio Monserrate, along with other dignitaries, marking a renewed push by the state government to expand welfare coverage and improve the quality of life for workers and their families.

According to officials, the newly announced schemes focus on multiple aspects of worker welfare, including digital literacy programmes to equip labourers with essential technological skills, medical assistance for elderly parents of workers, and financial support for children preparing for competitive examinations. The government has also introduced provisions for tuition fee reimbursement for higher education, ensuring that workers’ families have greater access to academic opportunities.

In addition, workers will be covered under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), providing them with accident insurance benefits and enhancing their financial security.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to the principle of Antyodaya — ensuring that welfare measures reach the last person in the queue. He emphasised that labourers form the backbone of Goa’s economy and that their well-being remains central to the state’s development vision.

Highlighting the state’s progress, Sawant noted that over 1.4 lakh workers have already been registered under various labour welfare schemes. He urged more workers to come forward and avail themselves of the benefits, assuring that the government would continue to strengthen mechanisms for labour safety, welfare, and social protection.

As part of the celebrations, the Chief Minister felicitated 20 dedicated workers with the Shram Gaurav Shramik Mitra Award in recognition of their invaluable contribution to Goa’s growth and development.

Reaffirming the government’s long-term vision, Sawant said that empowering workers would play a key role in achieving the goal of “Viksit Goa 2037”, adding that inclusive growth and social security would remain at the forefront of policy initiatives in the years to come.

–IANS

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