The Gujarat government has disbursed more than Rs 2,029 crore in bonuses to over 12.44 lakh workers during 2024-25. Officials highlighted the importance of International Labour Day on May 1, emphasizing the significant contribution of laborers to the nation’s progress. Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, Gujarat aims to blend technology with empathy to ensure economic justice and security for workers.
A key initiative is the ‘Shram Setu Portal’ launched by the Labour, Skill Development, and Employment Department. This portal facilitates the swift and transparent resolution of workers’ grievances, with features like a case and claim module for handling various disputes. In 2025, the portal processed 5,550 applications online, streamlining the grievance redressal process.
The state has digitized various procedures, including inspections and compliance, to simplify workers’ lives. The introduction of a Labour Support Call Centre further enhances support for workers, with the center receiving 18,402 calls in 2025. Reforms introduced during the year focus on promoting ease of doing business and reducing legal complexities, aiming to create new job opportunities for workers.
Efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency include amendments related to the ‘Jan Vishwas Bill’ in the Gujarat Industrial Relations Act and the Gujarat Shops and Establishments Act. These changes are expected to simplify administrative processes and benefit traders and industrial units. The government’s mediation initiatives led to the resolution of wage differences for 7,655 workers across 1,232 institutions in 2025.
Moreover, more than 12.44 lakh workers received bonus payments totaling Rs 2,029.17 crore during 2024-25, coinciding with the Diwali period. The e-Shram portal, designed to register unorganized workers, recorded over four lakh registrations in Gujarat between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to supporting workers through welfare programs and digital platforms, fostering self-reliance and prosperity for India.
