Gurgaon: Chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday announced the formation of a State Social Security Board, bringing autorickshaw drivers and commercial vehicle operators in Haryana under a formal social security framework for the first time.The board will extend welfare coverage, improve financial security and ensure access to govt schemes for thousands of workers currently outside structured benefits. Saini made the announcement at a state-level labour awareness and felicitation programme at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, where he underscored labour’s role in driving economic growth.“Labour is the strongest pillar of the economy and key to achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047,” he said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat roadmap.
He added that appointment letters under an existing service security framework are being processed and will be issued to all eligible workers by June 15.Mahabir Singh, president of the Haryana Auto Rickshaw Union, said while the move was welcome, implementation remained the key concern. “The condition of the private transport sector is already very poor — no auto stands, no drinking water, no toilets, no proper shelters, especially in this heat.
Challans continue and inflation keeps rising. If the board ensures basic amenities and genuine support, it will make a difference.
Otherwise, announcements alone won’t change anything for drivers,” he said.On broader labour welfare, Saini said Haryana has implemented a 35% increase in minimum wages under the Code on Wages, with current wages at Rs 19,425. He also said Rs 40 crore has been transferred to more than 34,000 workers under 29 schemes through direct benefit transfer, ensuring transparency and timely assistance.
He added that more than 54 lakh unorganised workers have been registered on the e-Shram Portal and urged stakeholders to increase enrolment.
Plans to strengthen healthcare support — including annual free check-ups for industrial workers and expansion of ESI facilities — were also outlined.Later in the evening, Saini inaugurated a light-and-sound show with 3D projection mapping at Leisure Valley Park in Sector 29.
Developed at a cost of around Rs 8 crore by GMDA, the show is built around three themes — Bal Hanuman, depicting energy and devotion; Guru Dronacharya, representing knowledge and discipline; and Samay ki Pustak, tracing a journey from heritage to development. Saini also announced the development of a synthetic track and further beautification of the park.Earlier in the day, the CM reviewed civic conditions across the city, inspecting the service lane of NH 48 and the Leg 2 drain near Ashok Vihar-Bhimgarh Kheri, directing officials to ensure continuous cleaning, water sampling and strengthening of drain infrastructure.
“There should be no gaps in the delivery of public services,” he said, adding that such field visits would continue to ensure accountability.Industries and commerce minister Rao Narbir Singh, who accompanied Saini during the visit, reiterated the govt’s focus on labour welfare and social security, saying the state’s economic progress was rooted in the contribution of its workforce.
