Workers’ platform launched to promote socio-economic Inclusion of informal sector workers in Delhi

By A Representative

On the occasion of International Labour Day, a significant initiative—the Workers’ Platform—was officially launched by Shri Sanjay Kumar, Regional Director of Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education and Development (DTNBWED), New Delhi. The launch event took place at the Community Hall, Block-11, Kalyanpuri, Delhi.

The platform aims to establish a sustainable, worker-led mechanism to promote the social and economic inclusion of informal sector workers across Delhi. Through community engagement and outreach camps, the platform will help connect workers to welfare schemes and entitlements, while also providing real-time feedback to DTNBWED on challenges faced on the ground.

An initiative led by informal workers, the platform is supported by the Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR) and recognized by DTNBWED. CFAR will act as the facilitating partner, offering continuous support in training, capacity-building, and implementation. The platform will work in close coordination with DTNBWED in organizing special camps across Delhi, as per community needs.

Over 200 informal sector workers participated in the launch event, along with stakeholders from various institutions, including Mr. Manoj, Advocate, District Legal Services Authority (NALSA); Mr. Sushil Sachdeva, ESIC (Central); Ms. Shahnaz, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Disabilities; Mr. Brij Mohan Singh, EPFO; Mr. Ankit, India Post Payment Bank; and representatives from Satark Yuva Sanghatan and Shreshta Mahila Samiti.

The Workers’ Platform comprises over 40 members representing various categories of informal work. These members have been trained in relevant schemes and play a key role in identifying scheme requirements, organizing outreach camps, and facilitating access. Since June 2024, they have actively supported special camps across multiple Delhi locations.

Recent government efforts, such as financial assistance for children of construction workers and the Antodaya Shramik Suraksha scheme (providing accident and death coverage of up to Rs. 10 lakhs for a nominal annual premium), are part of a broader push for worker welfare. The Workers’ Platform complements these initiatives by strengthening last-mile delivery.

In his address, Shri Sanjay Kumar stated, “The Board is committed to creating awareness and facilitating access to welfare schemes by reaching out directly to workers. From June 2024 to March 2025, we conducted 312 camps and facilitated 31,906 schemes including e-Shram, ABHA card, PAN, PM Vishwakarma, and disability pensions. The Workers’ Platform, led by the workers themselves, is a vital link in this mission.”

Ms. Geetha, a platform member from the Dhobi community, shared her journey: “I was unaware of any schemes until I attended a camp. Learning that these services are free, I informed other women in my area and decided to support more people like me.”

Stakeholders also presented their contributions: Ms. Shahnaz highlighted services for elderly and disabled workers, including rehabilitation and assistive devices. Mr. Manoj spoke about legal aid and schemes offered by NALSA for informal workers.

The event featured interactive sessions, games, and a quiz for workers. India Post set up a special camp to promote its schemes. A signature campaign showed solidarity with informal workers, while children from Harkesh Nagar performed a street play on scheme awareness. A special camp at the venue facilitated registration for over 130 workers in schemes like e-Shram, ABHA, and labour cards.

One participant remarked, “Despite attending many camps in the past, I never got proper guidance. Today, I received both information and access to documents in one place—this was a first for me.”

The launch concluded with a resolution to initiate multi-stakeholder consultations between the Workers’ Platform and government departments for enhanced coordination in supporting informal workers.

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