The Steel Melting Shop–3 of Steel Authority of India Limited's Bhilai Steel Plant organised the second edition of the 'Nayi Chetna' awareness and empowerment programme for women contract workers on 11 July 2026, reaffirming the plant's commitment to promoting a safe, inclusive and informed workplace. The initiative focused on enhancing awareness about workplace safety, women's security, labour welfare provisions, industrial relations, maternity benefits, health and legal rights, enabling women contract employees to perform their duties with greater confidence and awareness.

Addressing the inaugural session, Chief General Manager of Steel Melting Shop–3, Tribhuvan Baitha, urged the participants to adopt safe work practices, remain aware of their rights and responsibilities, and contribute confidently to the organisation's growth. He emphasised that awareness, safety and empowerment are the foundation of an inclusive and progressive industrial workplace.

During the technical sessions, Departmental Safety Officer of Steel Melting Shop–3, Umashankar Parganiha, sensitised the participants to workplace safety practices and women-specific safety measures, highlighting the importance of hazard awareness, safe behaviour and vigilance in industrial operations.

Representing the Industrial Relations Department, Rajesh Maurya explained key labour welfare provisions, including minimum wages, statutory benefits and other welfare schemes available to contract workers. The session helped participants gain a better understanding of their legal entitlements and social security benefits.

In the health awareness session, Dr Shubhashree Prashant from the Occupational Health Centre provided guidance on women's health, maternity-related facilities, preventive healthcare and the importance of timely medical consultation and self-care for maintaining overall well-being.

To encourage active participation, interactive quizzes were conducted throughout the programme, with participants answering correctly being presented token gifts.

Nearly 50 to 60 women contract workers participated enthusiastically in the programme and benefited from the awareness sessions. Organised for the second time in Steel Melting Shop–3, the 'Nayi Chetna' initiative has emerged as an effective platform for strengthening awareness on workplace safety, labour welfare, health and women's empowerment among the plant's contract workforce. The programme was coordinated by Assistant General Manager (Personnel) Sushil Kamde and Departmental Safety Officer of Steel Melting Shop–3, Umashankar Parganiha.

 

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RDJ/BKT

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2284557) आगंतुक पटल : 12