Pakyong, May 01 (IPR): To commemorate International Labour Day, 2026, the Sikkim Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, under the Labour Department, Government of Sikkim, organised a district-level awareness programme on Labour Laws for building and other construction workers at the Community Hall, Pakyong, today.
The programme focused on sensitising workers on provisions of labour laws, registration under the Welfare Board, and access to various welfare schemes and benefits available to workers.
The event was graced by Zilla Adhyaksha, Pakyong District, Mrs Laden Lamu Bhutia as the Chief Guest, alongside  Zilla Upadhyaksha, Mrs Prabha Pradhan as Guest of Honour.
During the session, Chief Guest, Mrs Laden Lamu Bhutia, extended greetings on International Labour Day and highlighted the contribution of Shramjeevis in the development process. She also outlined various initiatives of the State and Central Governments aimed at supporting workers through welfare measures, livelihood opportunities, and social security provisions.
Participants were also informed about the importance of labour registration to facilitate access to benefits such as financial assistance, insurance coverage, and other support services.
In her address, Zilla Upadhyaksha, Mrs Prabha Pradhan, highlighted the significance of International Labour Day and acknowledged the contribution of Shramjeevis in supporting development at the State and national levels. She noted that the progress of society is closely linked to the effort and dedication of the workforce across sectors.
In recognition of their contribution, on her behalf, she announced a concession of 50 per cent on whole body check-ups for Shramjeevis at designated diagnostic centres in Rangpo and Pakyong Bazar.
Further, Additional Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Pakyong District, Mr Bishal Sharma, highlighted the significance of International Labour Day and referred to it as an important occasion recognising the contribution of workers. He emphasised the dignity of labour, indicating that all forms of work carry equal value and that responsibility remains central irrespective of the nature of work.
He underlined the role of collective effort in enabling observances of International Labour Day at different levels and noted the contribution of workers towards the broader vision of a developed State. He conveyed congratulations to Shramjeevis and the department in connection with the Building and Other Construction Workers hostel to be established in the district, and encouraged workers to avail the benefits extended for their welfare.
He also outlined various schemes of the State Government, including the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme, Garib Jan Kalyan Prakosta, and the Mukhya Mantri Udhyamsilta Scheme, aimed at providing support in the areas of education, welfare assistance, and livelihood promotion.
Prior to the session, Deputy Labour Commissioner, Pakyong District, Mr Tashi Pintso Mapen, highlighted the significance of the day, observed annually on May 1, to recognise the contributions of labourers and the working class. He also briefly outlined the historical background associated with the observance and its relevance in promoting labour rights and welfare.
He further outlined the objective of the programme, with a focus on generating awareness on labour laws and facilitating access to welfare provisions for workers.
He also referred to the distinction between organised and unorganised workers, followed by a briefing on schemes applicable to both categories. In this context, registration of unorganised workers on the e-Shram Portal was emphasised to enable access to welfare benefits and related opportunities.
Additionally, he outlined constitutional provisions relating to labour, along with an overview of labour laws enforced in the State. The implementation of the Buildings and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Schemes in Sikkim was also underscored, with emphasis on the various benefits extended to registered workers, such as educational assistance and hostel facilities for their children. He further stated that a BOCW hostel is proposed to be set up in Pakyong District and expressed appreciation for the support extended by the State Government in this initiative.
Also, an appeal was made to workers to register under the Welfare Board to access benefits and opportunities, and an overview of departmental activities in the district was also shared.
Likewise, Coordinator of State Government for dealing with matters pertaining to pharmaceutical companies, Mr Hari Prasad Dangal, emphasised collective progress and indicated that workers facing grievances may approach the Labour Department, Shramik Prakosta, or the Labour Front for support and redressal.
The programme also included cultural performances presented by staff of the Labour Department, Pakyong District.
Also present were the Chairman, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Nim Chiki Sherpa; President, Pakyong Nagar Panchayat, Mr Inchung Bhutia; DFO (T), Mr SP Bhutia; OSD to MLA Namcheybong constituency, Mr Hari Rizal; OSD, Water Resources Department, Mr Gagan Gurung; Bazar Officer, UDD, Mr DP Sharma; members of Pakyong Nagar Panchayat, board member from BOCW, representatives from pharmaceutical companies and Shramjeevis from various departments, companies and organisations.