Once consigned to long hours and no legal safeguards, Bhopal’s labour force today follows a more regulated path — though true justice remains distant and uneven. As the city observed International Workers’ Day, both gains and gaps were on open display.
The Communist Party of India, along with its affiliated hammal (porter) unions, led a rousing May Day rally through the lanes of the old city. The procession began at Jhanda Chowk in Jumerati and passed through Azad Market, Mangalwara, Itwara, and Budhwara before circling back for a public address. Flags fluttered and slogans rang out as workers raised their voices for stronger rights enforcement.
Alongside the protest, a quieter but significant gesture of recognition played out across 21 city locations. The District Health Department launched a first-of-its-kind initiative — special health check-up camps for working women. Over 1,000 domestic workers, sweepers, and female labourers attended after their shifts, receiving free screenings for anaemia, pregnancy, diabetes, and blood pressure. Iron supplements and nutritional counselling were offered. On-site, officials also generated 104 ABHA IDs and 25 Ayushman Bharat cards.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Prabhakar Tiwari announced that the camps will now be held every Thursday. “Working women often put their health last. This initiative takes care to meet them where they are,” he said.
Yet even as such policies gain ground, activists say lived realities remain stubbornly unchanged. “Eight-hour shifts exist only on paper — wage theft, harassment, and delayed payments are still rampant,” said labour rights campaigner Mrinali Singh Sengar.
Shailendra Shailee, State Co-Secretary of the CPI, agreed: “Change won’t come through celebrations alone. We need implementation — of minimum wages, decent housing, and healthcare. Symbolism won’t pay the rent.” As Bhopal’s labouring class marked May Day, their message resounded: dignity and fairness at work are not demands anymore, but overdue rights waiting to be delivered.