IGFP Meets Odisha Labour Minister to Promote Zero Accident Vision and Migrant Worker Welfare
High-Level Discussion Focuses on Occupational Safety, Migrant Worker Protection and Government Social Security Awareness
Bhubaneswar | July 2026
The Indo-Global Focal Point (IGFP) – Prevention & Social Security in India held a productive meeting with Hon’ble Shri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Labour & Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), Government of Odisha, to discuss collaborative initiatives for promoting the Zero Accident Vision across industries and enhancing awareness of Government welfare schemes among workers, particularly migrant, informal and contract workers.
The meeting was attended by Sri B.K. Sahu, Founder Director, IGFP, who presented the organisation’s ongoing initiatives and proposed a comprehensive roadmap to improve occupational safety, health, labour welfare and social security outreach across the State of Odisha.
IGFP Showcases Its Mission for Safer Workplaces and Secured Workforce
During the meeting, Sri B.K. Sahu briefed the Hon’ble Minister on IGFP’s multidimensional initiatives aimed at promoting:
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
- Zero Accident Vision for industries
- Social Security awareness
- Labour law compliance
- Worker welfare and well-being
- Safety culture in educational institutions
The Minister was informed that IGFP conducts awareness programmes through a wide range of community engagement activities, including:
- National and State-level workshops
- Conferences and seminars
- Technical presentations
- Public awareness campaigns
- Street plays
- Safety song and video competitions
- Safety quizzes and questionnaires
- Posters, publications and educational materials
As part of the interaction, Sri B.K. Sahu presented the Hon’ble Minister with an IGFP Information Folder, containing:
- IGFP Newsletter
- Presentation on Migrant Workers
- Bookmark highlighting the Seven Golden Rules of Vision Zero
Focus on Migrant Worker Safety Following the Tamil Nadu Industrial Tragedy
A major part of the discussion centred on the tragic gas leak incident at a seafood processing factory in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, in which 16 women migrant workers lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries. According to media reports, many of the affected workers belonged to Keonjhar District, Odisha.
The discussion highlighted concerns regarding:
- Lack of worker registration
- Unsafe migration practices
- Absence of adequate safety compliance
- Limited enforcement of labour regulations
- Poor awareness of worker welfare and social security benefits
Sri B.K. Sahu emphasised the need for preventive and community-driven interventions to ensure safe and beneficial migration for workers from Odisha.
IGFP Proposes “Know Your Migrant Workers” Initiative
To address these challenges, IGFP proposed a comprehensive project titled “Know Your Migrant Workers”, based on the AIE Model:
A – Awareness
Creating awareness among migrant workers and their families regarding Government welfare schemes, safe migration practices, workers’ rights, and important “Do’s and Don’ts” before accepting employment outside the State.
I – Information
Installing informative posters and awareness materials at strategic public locations including:
- Village Panchayats
- Railway Stations
- Bus Stands
- Common Service Centres
- Labour Collection Points
E – Enumeration
Conducting door-to-door identification and enumeration of migrant workers through collaboration with:
- ASHA Workers
- Shramik Saathis
- Community Volunteers
- Local Government functionaries
This initiative aims to build an authentic database of migrant workers while improving access to Government welfare schemes and social security benefits.
Additional Recommendations Presented to the Hon’ble Minister
Sri B.K. Sahu also proposed several strategic initiatives to strengthen occupational safety and labour welfare in Odisha, including:
International Conference on Zero Accident Vision
Organising an International Conference dedicated to promoting the adoption of the Zero Accident Vision across industries in Odisha, bringing together Government departments, industries, academic institutions, safety professionals, and international organisations.
District-Level Awareness Programmes
Launching district-level awareness campaigns on:
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Labour Laws
- Social Security
- ESI and EPF Benefits
- Worker Rights
- Industrial Safety Best Practices
These programmes would be implemented in collaboration with the Safety and Labour Institute (SLI), Bhubaneswar, Government departments, industries, educational institutions, and community organisations.
Positive Response from the Hon’ble Minister
The Hon’ble Labour Minister appreciated IGFP’s initiatives and acknowledged the importance of strengthening occupational safety, worker welfare, and migrant protection in Odisha.
He expressed his willingness to hold a detailed follow-up meeting with IGFP and assured that an appropriate date would be scheduled shortly for further discussions on implementing the proposed initiatives in collaboration with the Labour & ESI Department.
IGFP Reaffirms Its Commitment to Worker Welfare
At the conclusion of the meeting, Sri B.K. Sahu thanked the Hon’ble Minister for his valuable time and encouraging support.
He reiterated IGFP’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Odisha, national and international institutions, industries, and community organisations to promote:
- Zero Accident Vision
- Safe workplaces
- Social security for all workers
- Protection of migrant workers
- Labour law awareness
- Community-based capacity building
IGFP also reaffirmed its readiness to support district-level programmes with the cooperation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other national partners, ensuring that workers across Odisha benefit from greater awareness, stronger safety culture, and improved access to Government welfare schemes.
Through such collaborative initiatives, IGFP continues to advance its mission of creating Safer Workplaces, Secured Workforce, and Sustainable Industrial Development across India.
