ADHAR

21/05/2026

Bar bender and centering workers risk their lives every day while working at construction sites. They know the danger very well, but still continue their work without thinking about whether they will return home safely or not.
In 45-degree heat, under direct sunlight, and without proper safety equipment, these workers keep working only to support their families. Most of them do not complain because they need work to survive.
But the authorities responsible for workers’ safety often remain silent. Even after complaints, the action is usually limited to site visits and notices on paper.
Every year in Gujarat, more than 100 construction workers die in accidents, and hundreds become permanently disabled. Bar benders, centering workers, and masonry workers are among the most affected.
The question is — when will these deaths of workers stop?

13/04/2026

Participated in the CRCG meeting held in Ahmedabad from 8th to 10th April, and presented my views on the first day.

26/03/2026

Brief Note on the Workshop:

A workshop on “Safety, Health, and Welfare of Construction Workers” was jointly organized on March 25, 2026, by SLS, PDEU, Bandhkam Mazdoor Sangathan (BMS), and ADHAR Trust.
During the workshop, Dr. Yashobant from IIPH delivered an insightful session on the risks faced by construction workers during heatwaves and highlighted essential preventive measures to safeguard their health and safety. Shri Mahendra Jethmalani from Pathey presented a detailed overview of welfare schemes for construction workers, critically examining expenditure patterns, identifying gaps in implementation, and suggesting actionable improvements.

Government Labour Officer Ms. Rutuben Bhanderi, Shri Girishbhai Sindhavat, and Ms. S. S. Patel were specially present and provided valuable guidance on relevant legal provisions concerning labour welfare and safety.

The open discussion focused on practical strategies to prevent accidents such as falls from height, address heat stress, and strengthen on-site safety practices. Key concerns regarding the effective utilization of welfare funds and barriers in accessing welfare schemes were also deliberated in detail.

Participants emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of safety standards, regular capacity-building and training programs, formation of safety committees, and the adoption of a “zero tolerance” approach towards safety violations.

The workshop witnessed participation from site supervisors, safety officers, NGO representatives, trade union members, and HR faculty students.

The successful organization of the workshop was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Shri Vipul Pandya (BMS), Dr. Supriya Pal and Dr. Nitesh Tripathi (PDEU), and Shri Niral Patel, BOCW Inspector.

11/01/2026

This photograph was captured at a Kadiya Naka in Ahmedabad. It speaks for itself, raising a critical question: development for whom, and at whose cost?”

19/12/2025

Today, a meeting was organized under the initiative of the Bandhkam Mazdoor Sangathan, during which discussions were held and demands were raised regarding crèche facilities, the Shramik Basera Scheme, pension benefits, and insurance to address the impact of climate change on workers’ livelihoods.

26/06/2025

As part of our ongoing efforts, E-Nirman cards were distributed today to registered workers at the Makarpura site. The workers were also briefed on how to avail benefits under the Board’s various welfare schemes.

16/06/2025

Today, 17 children arrived at the hostel located in Mojal Faliya, Junapani village of Dahod Taluka. This hostel provides a safe and nurturing environment for the children of migrant construction workers. More children are expected to arrive in the coming days. Returning after their vacation, the children were filled with renewed energy and joy—their happiness was clearly visible. With no changes in their meals or accommodation, and without a single complaint, they have already resumed their studies from today.

This hostel has been running successfully for the past three years, sustained by the collective efforts of the workers and the generous financial support of our well-wishers. Today marks the beginning of its fourth year.

The hostel accommodates children from Standards 1 to 10, enabling them to continue their education in a stable and supportive setting. The primary objective of the hostel is to prevent school dropouts and eliminate child labor among children of migrant construction workers.

15/05/2025

Today, under the initiative of ADHAR Trust, a registration drive was launched in Ahmedabad to enroll construction workers as beneficiaries under the Construction Workers Welfare Board. As part of the campaign, an awareness meeting was organized at a construction site during the lunch break.

29/01/2025

The Gujarat government’s recent announcement that the upcoming budget may include a provision for a ₹300 monthly pension for construction workers aged 60 and above is both disappointing and inadequate. What makes this proposal even more troubling is that this money comes from the ₹6,000 crore construction workers’ welfare cess fund, of which only ₹1,000 crore has been utilized so far. The Welfare Board has ample resources to provide a meaningful pension, yet ₹300 per month—barely sufficient for basic needs—shows a lack of genuine commitment to workers' welfare.

Construction workers, who spend their lives in harsh and unsafe conditions, deserve dignity and financial security in retirement. The cess fund exists to support them, not to sit unused while they struggle to survive. The government must revisit this proposal and allocate a pension amount that truly reflects the contributions of these laborers. Anything less undermines their trust and sacrifices.

12/01/2025