Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday attended the closing ceremony of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh’s (BMS) 70th foundation day, held at the Rishikul Ayurvedic College Auditorium in Haridwar.
The event, titled “Swarnim 70 Years,” marked the conclusion of the year-long celebrations.
Addressing a gathering at the Youth Workers Conference, CM Dhami highlighted the transformative role of BMS in empowering the labour force and contributing to nation-building.
“Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh has not limited itself to just protecting the interests of labourers, but has also transformed the labour force into a pillar of nation-building. By integrating cultural consciousness, moral values, and social responsibility, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh has paved the way for turning 'Shram Yogis' into 'Rashtra Yogis',” he said.
During the event, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of the Madan Mohan Malviya State Research Institute at the historic Rishikul premises. The institute is envisioned as a multidisciplinary centre to promote tourism, spirituality, education, Ayurveda, astrology, and meditation.
CM Dhami described the initiative as a step towards connecting people with India’s ancient knowledge systems. “The institute would serve as a significant hub within Rishikul, an institution of great significance, and help connect people to India's ancient knowledge systems,” he said.
Reflecting on the journey of the BMS since its foundation on July 23, CM Dhami praised the organisation for upholding the values of Indian culture and the Swadeshi movement. He acknowledged the early challenges faced by the BMS and commended its evolution into a major voice for worker rights. “Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government is working on the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and has launched several schemes focused on the welfare of workers,” he added.
Highlighting the government’s labour welfare initiatives, the Chief Minister mentioned that crores of workers have been registered on the labour portal and are now receiving benefits such as ESI, EPFO, and insurance coverage. He also spoke of educational support for workers’ families, noting that “75 meritorious children of workers are receiving free technical education, lodging, and meals at the Rudrapur Technical Institute.”
Emphasising the importance of youth in realising India’s 2047 development goals, Dhami said, “Workers are not just the engines of labour but also architects of the nation.” He added that with 65% of India’s population under the age of 35, programmes like Skill India are playing a crucial role in preparing the youth for employment and entrepreneurship.
The CM also spoke about recent reforms in labour laws, highlighting the consolidation of 29 laws into four labour codes. He acknowledged the success of the e-Shram portal in bringing unorganised sector workers into the formal system and spoke of pension support for labourers. “Under the Shramyogi Maandhan Yojana, unorganised sector workers are being provided a pension of Rs 1,000. Our government is ensuring that no worker is neglected or left out of the mainstream of development,” he said.
Reiterating the state’s commitment, he said that housing, health insurance, and social security measures are being implemented through the Uttarakhand Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.