Strengthening Occupational Safety and Zero Accident Vision - Discussion with Labour Secretary, Odisha

Strengthening Occupational Safety and Zero Accident Vision

A detailed discussion was held with the Labour Secretary, Government of Odisha, on 20 July 2026 regarding strengthening occupational safety and health (OSH), promoting a Zero Accident Vision for industries, and extending the benefits of government welfare schemes to vulnerable sections of the workforce. The Director of IGFP India presented the organisation’s key objectives, which include promoting Zero Accident Vision for Industries, developing a Zero Harm Culture among students, and ensuring that government welfare schemes reach informal, standalone, self-employed and migrant workers. The discussion also highlighted IGFP India’s awareness and engagement methodology, including training and awareness programmes, street plays, song and video contests, educational games, safety postures, publications and other innovative communication tools to build a stronger culture of safety and social protection.

The meeting also explored opportunities for IGFP India to support the Labour Department of Odisha in creating safe workplaces and a secured workforce through a range of initiatives. Key proposals included transforming “Distressed Migration into Aspirational Migration,” organising a National Conference on Adoption of Zero Accident Vision for Industries, and conducting district-level awareness programmes on occupational safety and health along with government welfare schemes, with particular emphasis on informal, contractual, self-employed and migrant workers. The discussion further considered reviving IGFP India’s earlier proposal for engagement as a Consultant/Adviser on OSH, Social Security and Labour Laws (SS/LLS) with the Labour Department of Odisha, an initiative originally discussed during the tenure of Mr. Srinivas as Labour Secretary and Madam Rupa Mishra as Labour Commissioner in 2016–17. The renewed dialogue marks an important opportunity to build upon this earlier engagement and strengthen collaborative efforts towards safer workplaces, improved labour welfare and inclusive social protection across Odisha.