Informal workers’ safety from heatwave stressed at 68th Workers Education Day in Delhi

By A Representative 

Over 100 representatives, including trade union leaders, officials from the labor department, and informal workers, gathered at Malviya Smriti Bhawan in New Delhi on September 16 to mark the 68th Workers Education Day. The event, organized by the Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education and Development (DTNBWED), focused on the theme “Collaborating to Manage Heat Wave Among Informal Sector Workers.”

In a video message, Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that workers are the foundation of nation-building and emphasized the importance of skill development and awareness to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He praised DTNBWED’s role in educating workers about their rights and responsibilities, calling them “true social heroes.”

Speakers highlighted the need to prioritize the safety of informal workers, particularly in light of recurring heatwaves that pose serious risks to health and livelihoods. Dr. Ved Prakash Singh, National General Secretary of Mahamana Malviya, assured continued support for addressing the challenges faced by informal workers, while Dr. Deependra Chahar, General Secretary of BMS, stressed that heatwaves have become recurring disasters requiring collective action.

The Delhi government’s recent initiatives, including 500 Palna centres for women laborers, mandatory rest breaks during peak heat hours, and 3,000 water kiosks at construction sites, were noted as measures to protect vulnerable workers. A street play was also staged to spread awareness about the dangers of extreme heat.

Shri Sanjay Kumar, Regional Director of DTNBWED, urged greater coordination with institutions like the CPWD and state labor departments for effective welfare measures. Between June 2024 and August 2025, DTNBWED, in partnership with the Centre for Advocacy and Research, facilitated access to over 17,000 social protection schemes for informal workers through 165 joint camps.

Members of the Workers Platform expressed their commitment to continue bridging the gap between government departments and informal workers. During the event, Ms. Laalsa and Mr. Ganesh, active worker leaders from New Delhi, were recognized for their contributions to supporting informal workers on the ground.