Patna: The Bihar government has announced a major welfare measure for migrant workers, under which it will bear the entire cost of transporting the mortal remains of migrant labourers who die in accidents while working in other states or abroad. The announcement was made by Additional Chief Secretary (Labour Resources and Migrant Workers Welfare Department) K. Senthil Kumar during a press conference at Information Bhawan in Patna.
The state has also doubled compensation for the families of deceased migrant workers and highlighted several welfare initiatives aimed at improving social security and support for workers.
Bihar Doubles Death Compensation for Migrant Workers
The state government has increased financial assistance for the dependents of migrant workers who die in accidents while working outside the state or overseas.
Key provisions include:
- Compensation increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹4 lakh
- Full transportation cost of mortal remains to the worker’s permanent residence to be borne by the state government
- Financial support available under the Bihar Migrant Workers Accident Grant Scheme
During FY 2025-26:
- 446 beneficiaries received assistance
- Total grant amount distributed: ₹8.67 crore
During FY 2026-27 (so far):
- 168 beneficiaries received assistance
- Total grant amount distributed: ₹3.35 crore
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Over 6.84 Lakh Migrant Workers Registered on Bihar Migrant Worker App
To create a comprehensive database of migrant workers and strengthen social security planning, the state launched the Bihar Migrant Worker App.
As of June 10, 2026:
- 6,84,708 migrant workers have been registered on the platform
The app is expected to help the government design targeted welfare schemes and improve service delivery for migrant workers.
Financial Assistance Under Social Security Schemes
Under the Bihar Centenary Unorganized Workers and Artisans Social Security Scheme, substantial financial support has been provided.
FY 2025-26:
- 9,719 beneficiaries
- Assistance amount: ₹54.91 crore
FY 2026-27 (so far):
- 1,303 beneficiaries
- Assistance amount: ₹7.97 crore
These initiatives aim to strengthen social protection for workers in the unorganized sector.
Residential Training Centres for Workers Established in Three Districts
The Labour Department has signed an agreement with a specialized agency to operate residential training centres in:
- Patna
- Gaya
- Sitamarhi
The centres are intended to enhance skills, improve employability, and support workforce development among labourers and migrant workers.
Continued Efforts to Eliminate Child Labour
The department also shared progress on child labour eradication and rehabilitation.
FY 2025-26:
- 1,054 child labourers rescued and rehabilitated
FY 2026-27:
- Fixed deposits worth ₹31.50 lakh created for rehabilitation of 126 rescued children
- Immediate assistance of ₹3.09 lakh provided to 103 child labourers
- ₹8.30 lakh deposited in District Child Labour Rehabilitation and Welfare Funds for 166 child labourers
The state has also reconstituted the Bihar State Child Labour Commission to strengthen monitoring and welfare efforts.
Welfare Board Registers Over 42 Lakh Construction Workers
The Bihar Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board continues to provide benefits through 16 welfare schemes.
Key figures include:
- Total registered construction workers: 42.31 lakh
- Registrations during FY 2025-26: 11.06 lakh
- New registrations till June 8, 2026: 4,131 workers
The board provides social security and welfare benefits to registered construction workers and their families.
Labour Service Facilitation Centres Expanding Across Bihar
The state is also expanding its labour support infrastructure through Labour Service Facilitation Centres.
Planned:
- Centres at 10 locations across 9 divisions
Currently operational:
- Patna
- Kaimur
- Saran
- Saharsa
- Darbhanga
These centres assist workers with:
- Registration and renewal services
- Access to welfare schemes
- Awareness and outreach activities
Labour Code Reforms Under Process
The Bihar government is also working on framing rules under the four Labour Codes notified by the Government of India on November 21, 2025. The rule-making process is currently underway and is expected to strengthen labour governance and worker protection mechanisms in the state.
Bihar Strengthens Social Security for Workers
Through enhanced compensation, migrant worker support programmes, digital registration systems, social security schemes, skill development initiatives, and child labour rehabilitation efforts, Bihar is expanding its welfare framework for workers. The latest measures are expected to provide greater protection and support to migrant labourers, construction workers, and other vulnerable sections of the workforce across the state.
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