Bhatkal: World Labour Day and the decennial celebrations of the Bhatkal Building and Construction Workers’ Association were held on Friday at Heble, inaugurated by district in-charge minister Mankal Vaidya.

Addressing the gathering, Vaidya highlighted the importance of workers, comparing them to farmers, and said pending welfare kits would be distributed based on need. He said the government would consider providing ₹3,000 assistance to workers during periods of unemployment, similar to aid extended to fishermen, after consultations with the Labour Minister and Chief Minister.

The minister announced a new ₹115-crore scheme to provide educational materials to workers’ children from Classes 1 to 12. He also said a school for workers’ children would be established in Bhatkal within a year. Compensation of ₹8 lakh in case of accidental death and ₹1.5 lakh for injuries, along with educational aid ranging from ₹1,800 to ₹60,000, were also highlighted.

Speakers at the event underscored the role of workers as the backbone of society and called for greater welfare measures, safety awareness, and increased registration of unorganised workers to ensure access to government benefits.

The programme was presided over by association president Sridhar Naik and attended by officials, union representatives, and local dignitaries.