Gandhinagar, March 16 (NationPress) The Gujarat cabinet minister overseeing Labour, Skill Development and Employment, and Rural Development, Kunvarji Bavaliya, marked his 71st birthday in a remarkable way on Monday.

Rather than throwing a lavish celebration, he chose to visit the 'Shramik Annapurna Yojana' (Workers' Annapurna Scheme) center in Gandhinagar, where he personally served meals to hundreds of underprivileged individuals in attendance.

Kunvarji Bavaliya took the time to engage with the workers, checking in on their well-being and inspecting the food quality provided at the center. He emphasized the government's dedication to ensuring that workers in the construction industry receive sufficient nutrition.

The Shramik Annapurna Yojana is an initiative by the Gujarat government aimed at providing registered construction workers with nutritious meals at subsidized rates directly at their workplaces. Both registered workers and their families can benefit from this scheme.

This program has proven to be incredibly advantageous for marginalized and disadvantaged families. Under it, workers can access simple, wholesome, and nutritious meals at a minimal cost of just Rs 5.

The meals typically include ‘roti’ (flatbread), vegetables, ‘dal’ (lentils), rice, pickles, green chilies, and ‘gur’ (jaggery), with a sweet dish offered once a week. Additionally, primary health check-up services are available for the workers.

Launched in June 2017, the scheme is managed through the Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

As per the state government, around 1.05 crore meals were provided to workers in the fiscal year 2025-26, with a total of 4.37 crore meals distributed since the program's inception.

Regarding the scheme's expansion, the Gujarat cabinet minister announced the operation of 293 centres across Gujarat.

“We plan to inaugurate 121 new centres soon and have allocated budget plans for an additional 300 centres this year. The objective is to reach workers in even the most remote areas of the state, ensuring they have access to nutritious, home-cooked meals,” he stated.

The Minister also evaluated the health services available at the center, instructing the department to provide special care suitable for the seasons to workers and their families at construction sites. The Workers' Welfare Board is also making various first-aid facilities accessible at these centers.

The Minister's inspiring act was met with evident joy and a sense of dignity among the workers.

The workers conveyed that receiving nutritious meals at a low cost significantly alleviates their struggles, making food easily accessible during their working hours.