Supporting Workers’ Well-being The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board

The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board (MLWB) plays a vital role in ensuring the welfare of workers and their families in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Established under the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1953, the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board functions as an arm of the state’s Department of Labour.

Mission and Vision

The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board’s mission is to promote the social, cultural, educational, financial, and mental well-being of labourers in Maharashtra. They achieve this by implementing various welfare schemes and programs for registered workers across diverse sectors. Their vision emphasizes a skilled and disciplined workforce, along with efficient services and continuous improvement in worker prosperity.

Key Functions

• Providing Welfare Services: The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board offers a range of benefits to eligible workers and their families. These include scholarships for children’s education, healthcare facilities, and vocational training programs.
• Operating Labour Welfare Centres: The Board maintains a network of over 230 Labour Welfare Centres across Maharashtra. These centres provide recreational facilities, libraries, and other amenities for workers and their families.
• Promoting Worker Registration: The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board encourages both employers and workers to register under the Act. This ensures eligibility for various welfare schemes.

Benefits for Employers and Workers

• Compliance with Labour Laws: Registration with the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board helps employers comply with the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Fund Act.
• Enhanced Worker Satisfaction: The availability of welfare benefits can contribute to a more satisfied and productive workforce.
• Improved Worker Well-being: The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board initiatives directly address the social and economic needs of workers and their families.

The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board (MLWB) goes beyond just regulations and worker registration. They actively work to enhance the quality of life for workers and their families through a range of welfare activities. Here’s a glimpse into some key initiatives:

• Early Childhood Care and Education: The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board recognizes the importance of early development. They establish and manage Shishu Mandir kindergartens within Labour Welfare Centers. These provide quality care, healthy meals, and even medical checkups for children of registered workers.

• Skill Development and Empowerment: The Board empowers families, particularly women, by offering training programs in tailoring, sewing, and handicrafts. This equips them with income-generating skills and fosters self-reliance.
• Education and Knowledge Access: The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board understands the value of education. They establish libraries and reading rooms within the centers, offering a space for workers and their families to learn and develop new skills. Additionally, computer training programs bridge the digital divide and enhance employability.
• Health and Fitness: Recognizing the importance of physical and mental well-being, the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board operates health centres with gymnasiums in some major centres. They also organize yoga and karate classes, promoting a holistic approach to health.
• Leisure and Entertainment: The Board doesn’t neglect the importance of leisure. They organize recreational activities like indoor and outdoor games, cultural events, and excursions. This fosters a sense of community and provides a healthy outlet for stress relief.
• Special Programs: The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board goes a step further by celebrating national holidays and special days within the centres. This fosters a sense of belonging and cultural connection.

These welfare activities cater to various needs across generations. From childcare and education to skill development and healthcare, the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board strives to create a well-rounded support system for Maharashtra’s workforce.

The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board serves as a commendable example of an organization dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families, by providing essential services and promoting worker well-being.

The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board contributes significantly to Maharashtra’s social and economic development.

A recent update from the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board

All establishments such as factories, shops and establishments, hotels, trade associations, restaurants, banks, hospitals, societies, and corporations falling within the scope of the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Fund Act 1953 are informed that the Sec 6BB of the Act is amended by Maharashtra Act No 25 dated 18.03.24. Therefore, the employees’ and employers’ contribution rates have been revised as follows from June 2024.

Finding More Information

For those interested in learning more about the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board, here are some helpful resources:

• The Maharashtra Labour Welfare Fund official website (in Marathi and English): [Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board ON Mahaprodhaan public.mlwb.in]
• The Department of Labour, Government of Maharashtra: [Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board mahakamgar.maharashtra.gov.in]

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