Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, May, 01
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Vice President, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori described the labour class as the “backbone of development and economic progress” of the country.
Mr. Saroori who was the chief guest in a function organised by Indian National Trade Union Congress here at Kishtwar in observance of the May Day. While speaking he said that the Congress was committed to the welfare and protecting rights of the labour class of the country. A large number of labour leaders of the organisation, affiliated to the Indian National Trade Union Congress, participated in the deliberations.
Saying that Congress has all along espoused the cause of labour class and strived for their welfare, Saroori recalled the crucial role played by labourers in shaping the public movement in India as elsewhere in the world decades ago. “Labour force are the builders of nation and catalyst of socio-economic transformation”,. He said Congress will always strive for seeking restoration of labour rights and implementation of welfare schemes to uplift their socio-economic conditions.
Mr. Saroori called for initiation of short and long term measures for economic emancipation and empowerment of the labour class with special focus on education of their children apart from health care. He also expressed grave concern over rising prices and said that this impacts directly the labour class and there is need to be earnestly looked into by the government. The issues interalia included enhancement of minimum wages, release of pending DA in public sector and private sector, pension benefits to the public sector employees, implementation of SRO-43 in public sector, regularization of daily wage employees/ casual workers/ consolidated employees /ITI diploma holders in PSU’s and government department, enhancement of budgetary support of to PSU’s, revival of sick/ loss incurring units, improvement /up-gradation of basic infrastructure of PSU’s, employment to local workers in private sectors, abolition of contract system in private sectors, un-authorized closing of units, setting up- non polluting as well as employment generating units, employment to locals in power projects, closure of polluting units and introduction of industries policy.
Others who addressed the gathering including Latief Hussain, Abdul Wahid Lone, Firdous Ahmed Mingnoo, Suman Thakur and others.
