Gandhinagar, April 30 (IANS). The Gujarat government has distributed an amount of more than Rs 2,029 crore as bonus to more than 12.44 lakh workers during 2024-25. Digital grievance redressal system and labor reforms have also been expanded.
Referring to International Labor Day, the officials said that the occasion is not just a day but a celebration to recognize the contribution of crores of workers who are dedicated to hard work and further said that the progress of any country rests on the sweat of its workers.
The government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, said it has tried to combine technology with human sensitivity to provide economic justice and security to workers, making Gujarat a leading player in labor empowerment.
A highlight of the State’s initiatives is the ‘Shram Setu Portal’, launched by the Department of Labour, Skill Development and Employment to resolve workers’ grievances in a faster and more transparent manner.
This portal has been designed to handle disputes related to gratuity, salary increase, termination and other demands. In 2025, a total of 5,550 applications were processed online through this system.
Officials said that the combination of technology and sensitivity has made the life of workers easier. All processes from inspection to compliance with rules have also been digitalized through an inspection module.
In 2025, the state conducted 13,810 inspections online, in which industrial establishments digitally submitted information on compliance with the rules. A labor assistance call center has been started to provide more assistance to the workers. This center received 18,402 calls during 2025.
Officials said that proper guidance and action was taken on all the calls, which strengthened the confidence of the workers. He said the reforms initiated during the year were aimed at promoting ease of doing business. Besides, unnecessary legal complications were also to be reduced.
Referring to the amendments related to the ‘Jan Vishwas Bill’ introduced by the Central Government, he said that the provisions of compounding of offenses and modified punishment have been included in the Gujarat Industrial Relations Act and Gujarat Shops and Establishment Act, thereby making the administrative procedures more transparent.
It has been claimed that these reforms are expected to ease the functioning of traders and industrial units, resulting in creation of new employment opportunities for workers.
The government also said that due to its mediation efforts, more than Rs 11.13 crore was paid as differential wages to 7,655 workers in 1,232 institutions in 2025.
Additionally, more than 12.44 lakh workers received a total bonus payment of Rs 2,029.17 crore during 2024-25, which was distributed during Diwali.
More than four lakh registrations were registered in Gujarat between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 on the e-Shram portal launched by the Ministry of Labor and Employment to register unorganized workers in 2021.
The government said these measures show that workers who contribute to the state’s development are being supported through a combination of welfare initiatives and digital systems, adding that when workers prosper, India becomes truly self-reliant.
–IANS
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