As part of our continued efforts to promote safe, healthy, and socially secure workplaces in India, a significant engagement was undertaken in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, focusing on the Adoption of Zero Accident Vision (ZAV) for individuals and industries.
High-Level Consultation with the Labour Department
On 16 December 2025, a detailed meeting was held with Mr. Himshikhar Gupta, IAS, Special Secretary to the Government of Chhattisgarh, Labour Department, at his chamber. Despite his demanding schedule during the ongoing Vidhan Sabha session, Mr. Gupta graciously took time to engage in an in-depth discussion. The meeting was also attended by senior officials from ESIC, Raipur.
During the interaction, a presentation titled “Adoption of Zero Accident Vision (ZAV) for Individuals & Industries in India – Way Forward for a Safe Workplace with a Secured Workforce” was shared and discussed. The presentation outlined a strategic, multidisciplinary approach to address the rising industrial accidents in the state and align safety initiatives with the implementation of the new Labour Codes.
Key Proposals Discussed
Two major initiatives were proposed for Chhattisgarh:
1. International / National Vision Zero Event
An Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Event focusing on Safety, Health, and Social Security, with special emphasis on Zero Accident Vision, was proposed for industries across Chhattisgarh.
Such Vision Zero events have already been successfully coordinated by IGFP in collaboration with Labour Departments of states including Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, and West Bengal. Details and impact highlights were shared during the presentation.
2. Online Vision Zero Training Programme
A structured online Vision Zero training programme was proposed for industrial districts of the state, targeting:
- Contractors
- Supervisors
- Labour Officers
- HR & Safety Professionals
This model has already been implemented with measurable impact in Odisha, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh, supported by Government Orders, examples of which were shared.
Industry Partnership & Next Steps
To support implementation, Bharat Chamber of Commerce, one of India’s leading All India Employers’ Associations headquartered in Kolkata, has agreed in principle to partner on these initiatives. A meeting with representatives of the Chamber has been proposed for 30th / 31st December 2025, in coordination with the Labour Department, Chhattisgarh.
Engagement with Key Stakeholders
As part of this visit, interactions were also held with several key officials to build a multidisciplinary collaboration framework:
- Mr. Mahesh Srivastava, Director, Industrial Safety & Hygiene – shared Vision Zero materials and requested participation in upcoming discussions.
- Mr. Shanuk Jangde, Welfare Commissioner, Chhattisgarh – discussed collaboration involving ESIC, EPFO, and State Welfare Boards to benefit workers and industries.
- Dr. Jayanti Singh, Director, State ESI Scheme – recalled earlier collaborations during the establishment of ESI initiatives in the state.
- Mr. Bhupen RD, ESIC, along with ESIC officers – proposed revival of quarterly coordination meetings between Government of India offices and the State Labour Department to improve inter-institutional coordination.
Way Forward
These engagements reflect a shared commitment to making Chhattisgarh a model state in adopting the Zero Accident Vision through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach—especially significant at a time when Labour Codes are being operationalized across states.
