GUWAHATI: The Labour Welfare Department and Assam Labour Welfare Society orchestrated the celebration of Shramik Kalyan Diwas on November 23 at the GMCH Auditorium in Bhangagarh, Guwahati. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Rameswar Teli, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Labour and Employment.
Shramik Kalyan Diwas is an annual event dedicated to commemorating the life and achievements of the late Lt. Santosh Kumar Topno, an iconic leader of the tea garden community. The day is devoted to the welfare and well-being of labourers, acknowledging their significant contributions to society.
A highlight of the event was the signing of a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Assam Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board and the Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana - PMJAY) scheme. Assam stands as the first state in the nation to enter into such a memorandum of understanding.
The programme included a video presentation showcasing the achievements of the Commissionerate of Labour, such as receiving the Karmashree Award in 2023 and the Skoch Award in 2022. Recognising the hard work and dedication of workers, an awards ceremony was part of the event, honouring deserving individuals and establishments for their outstanding contributions.
The event featured cultural activities celebrating the rich diversity and cultural heritage of the labor community. Various benefits were also distributed to deserving beneficiaries, ensuring their socio-economic upliftment.
Dignitaries present at the event included Sanjay Kishan, Minister of State for Tea Tribe Welfare and Labour Welfare; Atul Bora, Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary; Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister of Environment and Forest, Act East Polity Affairs, Welfare of Minorities; Kamakhya Prasad Tassa, Member of Rajya Sabha; B. Kalyan Chakravarty, Principal Secretary Labour Welfare Department; Megha Nidhi Dahal, Commissioner of Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC); Anamika Tewari, Labour Commissioner Assam; Ranjit Prakash, National Project Coordinator, Setting Adequate Wage of International Labour Organisation; Dhiraj Gowala, President of ATTSA; and Dayal Topno, Son of Lt. Santosh Kr. Topno.
