Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, May 1, 2015 :

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik made the announcement about the wage hike at the state level function to mark the May Day here.

Now the labourers will get Rs 200 against the earlier wage fixed at Rs 150. Besides, as per the revised wage, semi-skilled labourer got a hike from Rs 170 to Rs 220, skilled labourer from Rs 190 to Rs 240 and highly-skilled labourer from Rs 205 to Rs 240.

Claiming that his government had launched several welfare schemes for the socio-economic development of the labourers, the chief minister stressed on the crucial role labourers play in the growth of the country.

“The state government can create a healthy and congenial environment for the labourers if it gets support from all quarters,” he said.

Referring to the child labour system in the state, Patnaik said the state government has started the State Action Plan for implementation of programmes for eradication of child labour.

Patnaik also felicitated five eminent trade union leaders—Dutikrushna Panda, Sibaji Patnaik, Rama Chandra Khuntia, Krushna Chandra Patra and Surendra Prasad Ray with Shramik Bandhu award with a cash award of Rs 50,000 and a citation each for their profound contribution to the welfare of the labourers.